Good habits formed at youth make all the difference. – Aristotle
The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it. – Sir David Attenborough
In 2019, a conservation program for young people was launched by New Beginnings on the Gold Coast. The program, Youth Marine Conservation Program, is designed to give students an introduction to the marine environment. “Involvement in marine studies can lead young people on to a number of rewarding career paths, giving them the ability to have a direct and positive impact on our environment,” according to Bernd Brauer, founder of New Beginnings.
The youth program involves three levels of engagement. The first level is focused on theory and learning the basic concepts of marine conservation. The second level is a deeper dive into the practice, opening possibilities for a career in conservation. These two levels are conducted in partnership with Sea World Gold Coast. The third level involves onsite activities that New Beginnings conduct. The students visit and conduct studies on the mangroves in Paradise Point, and the rockpools in Burleigh Heads. They are also able to snorkel around Wave Break Island, as well as having the opportunity to paradive.
According to Bernd, the marine program focuses on information and awareness, and gradually builds on a better understanding of climate change and marine conservation. “It is essential to engage young people at the earliest possible age in marine conservation.
It is important for our planet’s, and their, future to understand the impact climate change is having and have them not only concerned, but willing to act to create a better future for us.” Part of the education program is to involve students in beach clean-up drives. These activities are not meant only to clean the beaches, but also to educate students about the bigger picture concerning waste, why it is happening, and how it gravely affects our environment. The beach clean-ups directly involve the young people, and are usually conducted at the northern end of South Stradbroke.
THE BEGINNING OF NEW BEGINNINGS
New Beginnings is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1999. The organisation is dedicated to bringing positive change into the lives of our most vulnerable young people, reducing youth anti-social behaviour, and making our communities safer and more liveable. They organise youth camps, mostly bush eco camps. These are school-based programs that are integrated into the curriculum.
Bernd believes that early intervention is crucial. “Studies show intervention programs for 10-12 year olds have the most significant impact on a young person’s self-esteem,” explains Bernd.
The following are testimonials from two participants of the youth weekend camps:
Elle came to us with her attitude and performance at school having taken a backwards step after her parents’ marriage had broken down. She slowly began to open up during her camp weekend, and started to lead during the group activities. After the program, her school principal advised us that her performance in class had significantly improved. She had begun to speak out in class, and she was having a positive effect on her entire class by passing on some of the principles and ways-of-conduct taught in our programs.
A young at-risk person of aboriginal heritage was referred to our Self-esteem & Leadership Camp. Per advice from his guidance counsellor, he had been with a number of foster families. It quickly became clear that Daniel had never had any boundaries set. He initially acted in such a disruptive and adverse manner at camp to have the other camp participants ask for his removal on the very first day. Our staff and volunteers handled the situation, working in close cooperation with his indigenous day carer/counsellor. The change was remarkable. On the final day of camp, when his carer mentioned they had to leave early, Daniel’s attitude had changed so much that all of the other young people voted to have him stay on to the end of the camp. At our final group gathering, he asked permission to give a thank-you speech. During the speech he admitted that this was the first time in his life that he had ever had the courage to speak in front of others, and expressed his gratitude for our persistence with him to let him stay, despite the extremely bad start. At our awards night later that year, we learned that he had been reunited with his birth mother, and was doing well at school. The risk of his deterioration into further anti-social behaviour was clearly reduced
The beginning of New Beginnings was brought about by a tragic experience in 1997 that motivated Bernd to leave corporate life, to focus on engaging young people in order to ensure a better future for them. Hence, the birth of the youth intervention programs that focus on improving and enhancing self-esteem among the young people.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MARINE PROGRAM
The introduction of the marine program was brought about by the obvious threats of climate change. “More young people are getting involved in addressing climate change concerns,” shares Bernd.
Bernd does not only have keen business management skills through experience, he also has a passion for sailing and everything marine. Through the marine conservation programs for young people, he is able to continue the work to bring positive change in vulnerable young people.
“We live in such a wonderful environment on the Gold Coast. Judging by how engaged participants in our Youth Marine Conservation Programs are, with many continuing their involvement by volunteering in marine clean-ups or via further studies in the field, I believe that our young people have a very bright future ahead of them,” Bernd proudly shares.
For more information about New Beginnings Marine Conservation Program and how to get involved, please visit www.newbeginnings.net.au/marine-conservation
Published in print January-March 2023
