The Whitten Project has taught Katherine Salkovic a number of life lessons - patience, resilience, acceptance - but most of it all it taught her to feel empowered.
Salkovic is full of optimism and big ambitions but it’s her quiet confidence and go-getter attitude since graduating the Whitten Project that has seen her more insistent in following her dreams.
Representing Maribyrnong City Council in the first intake of the Whitten Project last year, the 15-year-old has transformed as a person and a young leader over the past 12 months.
Drawing on her connections made throughout the project, has joined the Maribyrnong Young People’s Consultative Committee – looking to implement long term positive changes in the local community.
“We are looking at a four or five year plan to make the youth of Maribyrnong feel safer and happier in our community,” Salkovic said.
“So a plan that will help them have a better life – whether it’s more councillors, more recreational parks, things like that.”
The determined young leader has grand plans on the horizon.
“I’ve also applied to do a World Challenge Cambodia trip which is a student trip where we do everything, we budget our own trip, we find hotels,” she said.
“After that we help out at a community shelter over there and either help rebuild water mains, rebuild schools, teach English and… give back to the community.
“[Before the Whitten Project] I wouldn’t know how to deal with foreign people, I wouldn’t have the confidence to do it, I wouldn’t have the patience either.
“When it comes to fundraising, everyone else thinks it’s a large amount, $70k in seven months… we will need a good working relationship but we will get it done. “
Salkovic said the Whitten Project gave her the opportunity to learn how to get the best out of herself and others.
“It’s a really good experience and by meeting those different people and listening to their experiences it’s like ‘wow, I had no idea’,” she said.
“It’s a really good experience, try and get in – there’s nothing to lose.
“If you get it then great, enjoy it, experience it, embrace it.”
