JT Believe: Boosting Self-Belief in Indigenous Youth

In the heart of every thriving community is belief—the belief that every young person has
value, potential, and purpose. For many Indigenous youth in Australia, this belief is often
challenged by systemic barriers, cultural disconnection, and a lack of opportunity. This is
where JT Believe, a flagship initiative of the Johnathan Thurston Academy (JTA), steps in
to ignite self-belief and unlock the potential within.

JT Believe is more than a program—it is a movement that empowers young Indigenous
Australians through confidence-building, mentoring, leadership, and life skills training. This
article explores the need for such programs, the unique approach JT Believe takes, and the
transformative outcomes it continues to deliver.

Why Self-Belief is Critical for Indigenous Youth

Self-belief is the foundation for aspiration and achievement. But for many Indigenous youth,
the ability to see themselves as successful, valued members of society is clouded by
challenges such as:

• Intergenerational trauma and colonisation
• Racism and discrimination
• Lower access to culturally safe education
• Geographic and digital isolation
• Limited positive representation in media and leadership

The result is a generation of young people full of potential, but often lacking the support and
recognition to fully believe in their own abilities. Programs like JT Believe fill this critical
gap.

What is JT Believe?

JT Believe is a purpose-driven program led by rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston, an
Indigenous Australian and passionate advocate for youth empowerment. The program is part
of the wider efforts of the Johnathan Thurston Academy, which provides career, education,
and leadership pathways for young Australians, particularly those from Indigenous and
disadvantaged backgrounds.

Key Features of JT Believe:

• Personal development workshops
• One-on-one and group mentoring
• Goal-setting and vision-building exercises
• Cultural pride and storytelling integration
• Real-life success stories and role model interactions
• Post-program engagement and follow-up

Unlike traditional education or training programs, JT Believe doesn’t just focus on what
participants can learn—but who they can become.

How JT Believe Boosts Self-Belief in Indigenous Youth

1. Storytelling as Empowerment

JT Believe uses storytelling—an essential part of Indigenous culture—to create safe spaces
where participants reflect on their personal journeys, share their goals, and see strength in
vulnerability.

2. Role Models Who Inspire

Led by Johnathan Thurston and Indigenous facilitators, the program connects youth with role
models who have overcome similar struggles. This helps participants see what's possible for
themselves.

3. Skill Building Through Confidence

Sessions include activities that build communication, teamwork, leadership, and
resilience—all framed around growing inner confidence.

4. Cultural Identity as Strength

Rather than asking participants to "fit in," JT Believe celebrates their heritage, helping them
see their cultural background as a source of power, not a barrier.

5. Practical Goal Setting

Through coaching, youth are encouraged to set meaningful short- and long-term
goals—whether academic, professional, or personal—and supported to take action.

Why JT Believe Stands Out Among Indigenous Youth Programs

Many programs attempt to tackle disadvantage, but few focus explicitly on self-belief—the
inner driver of lasting change. JT Believe takes a strengths-based, culturally safe, and youth-
first approach that sets it apart.

• Culturally Rooted: Grounded in Indigenous values, protocols, and ways of knowing.
• Relatable Leaders: Run by those with lived experience and authenticity.
• Nationwide Reach: Delivered across metro, regional, and remote areas.
• Ongoing Support: Not just a one-time event, but part of a longer support ecosystem
  under the JTA umbrella.

Outcomes and Impact of JT Believe

JT Believe has already impacted thousands of Indigenous youth across Australia. Its
outcomes are not just numbers—they are transformations:

1. Increased Confidence

Participants report greater belief in their abilities, willingness to speak up, and readiness to try
new things.

2. Improved School and Work Engagement

After attending JT Believe, many young people re-engage with education, apply for work, or
start exploring leadership roles.

3. Strengthened Identity

Participants leave with a deeper connection to their culture, language, and community.

4. Vision for the Future

JT Believe helps youth envision careers, passions, and goals they had previously thought out
of reach.

5. Community Ripple Effect

Empowered youth influence their peers, families, and communities—creating a cycle of
belief and progress.

Real Stories, Real Change

While program statistics are powerful, the personal stories that emerge from JT Believe are
what truly illustrate its impact.

• A 16-year-old from Mt Isa who re-enrolled in school and began mentoring younger peers.
• A young woman from a regional community who, after completing the program, applied for a scholarship in business studies.
• A teenage boy who had struggled with depression, now leading a junior footy team and speaking at local youth events.

These are not exceptions—they are the new expectations JT Believe is setting.

How Schools and Communities Can Get Involved

JT Believe is designed to partner with schools, local councils, community groups, and not-
for-profit organisations. If you’re a leader, educator, or employer, you can:

• Host a JT Believe session in your region
• Sponsor a group of youth to attend the program
• Collaborate for follow-up mentoring or internships
• Invite JT Academy to speak at your event

By integrating JT Believe into local systems, communities can build their own ecosystems of self-belief and support.

The Role of Government and Policy

While community support is critical, sustained funding and national recognition are needed to
scale programs like JT Believe. Key policy priorities should include:

• Long-term investment in culturally safe youth development
• Expansion of mentoring and leadership pipelines for Indigenous youth
• Recognition of cultural identity as a protective factor, not a risk
• Inclusion of self-belief metrics in wellbeing and education outcomes

Supporting JT Believe is not charity—it is smart, future-focused nation-building.

Why Self-Belief is the Greatest Investment

When we empower Indigenous youth to believe in themselves, we unlock talent, creativity,
leadership, and resilience that can benefit the entire country.

• A confident young person is more likely to finish school.
• A culturally proud young person is more likely to give back to community.
• A supported young person is more likely to become a mentor to others.

The ripple effects are limitless—and it all starts with belief.

JT Believe is More Than a Program—it’s a Movement

Australia’s Indigenous youth are not broken—they are brimming with untapped potential. JT
Believe doesn’t “fix” them. It listens, affirms, and lifts them—so they can rise as strong,
proud individuals rooted in culture and purpose.

Self-belief may not be seen on paper, but it’s felt in the way a young person walks, speaks,
dreams, and leads. Through JT Believe, thousands are now walking taller.

For every young Indigenous Australian wondering if they matter, if they can succeed, if
they’re enough—JT Believe offers a resounding answer: Yes. You can. You already are.