NEWS
Hearing from Barbara...
I joined the Step to the Future team in 2003 and what a team it was. We were there for one reason - to inspire and encourage every student attending the forums to take that step that would ensure a better future for them.
;)
Barbara HolborowNone of us expected to be recompensed for our time or the experience we brought to each forum we were paid in full by the response and reaction of the kids every time we appeared. Over the years the speakers have built up life friendships travelling interstate, living and dining together. Each of us can recall hilarious moments, questions which made us realise there was a child in need, an outstanding student who displayed wisdom far beyond the child's years.
For me it was quite an experience to see the reaction on their faces when I invited the audience to ask me, a former Children's Magistrate, any questions about the law and the court which has always puzzled them. They can't believe they get a chance to quiz a Magistrate instead of the reverse. Always the questions have been genuine and sincere. I will always remember one young boy who said "This isn't a question, I just want to say you are a champ". I have never been paid a higher compliment.
I believe that each inspirational speaker, in some way has brought hope to many young people. Always after the forum has closed you will see many children staying back to speak to the speakers. Some are seeking help because their problem was such that it couldn't be disclosed to an audience. Others want to tell you of their dreams and seek advice as to how they can fulfil them.
Step to the future has reached thousands of young people and by the emails I receive from all over Australia from some of them it is a tragedy that may be Step will not continue to reach others.
Alice Springs is a classic example of the impact Step had on the indigenous children. I am the very proud Mother of an aboriginal son and these children love hearing stories about him and stories about some of the young aborigines who appeared before me in the Children's Court. I have been told by the Elders there that this is the best way to reach their children, better than any other forum to come to Alice.
I am extremely proud to be part of the Step to the Future team and the friendships I have made not only with other speakers but many of the young people who need an independent ear to voice their personal hardships, stories about their families and a Grandma who understands how hard it is in to-day's society to stay on the straight and narrow and keep out of trouble in its many forms. They don't need to be judged, they need us to listen and hear what they are saying.