Real Experiences. Honest Reflections. Lasting Impact.
The most meaningful measure of a program is how students experience it. Healthy Teens creates supportive environments where young people can move, challenge themselves, build confidence and have honest conversations about the issues affecting their lives.
Our programs support students across mentoring, emotional regulation, respectful relationships, personal safety, fitness, leadership and student engagement. Student comments are lightly edited for spelling and clarity while preserving their original meaning.
“The mentoring sessions gave me someone I could speak to without feeling judged. They helped me think more carefully about my choices, the people around me and what I want for my future. I became more confident asking for help instead of keeping everything to myself.” K. Timlock
“Boxing helped me understand that being strong does not mean losing control. I learned how to recognise when I was becoming angry, calm myself down and use my energy in a better way. The sessions challenged me physically, but they also helped me feel more confident and in control.” A. Kwok
“I felt more comfortable participating because the sessions were designed specifically for girls. Nobody was judged for their fitness level, and everyone was encouraged to try. The program helped me become stronger, more confident and less worried about what other people thought.”
Year 8 Student
Female Only Fitness and Wellbeing Program
“I learned that self defence is not just about fighting. It is about being aware, setting boundaries, communicating clearly and knowing when to walk away. I feel more confident because I now understand how to protect myself without making a situation worse.”
“The session made me think differently about respect, consent, boundaries and how my choices can affect other people. It did not feel like a normal lecture. We spoke about situations that students actually face, and I learned how to make safer and more respectful decisions.”
Year 11 Student
Respect, Boundaries and Real Choices
“The facilitators respected our backgrounds and listened to our experiences. I felt comfortable speaking because nobody made me feel embarrassed or different. The program helped me become more confident, connect with other students and feel that my voice mattered.”
Year 10 Student
CALD Student Empowerment Program
“The challenges pushed me outside my comfort zone without making me feel like I was going to fail. I learned that confidence comes from trying, supporting your team and continuing when something feels difficult. I was proud of what I achieved by the end.”
Year 11 Student
Empower Challenge
“The academy improved my fitness, but it also taught me about discipline, teamwork and being coachable. I learned that talent is not enough if you are unwilling to listen, work hard and support the people around you.”
Year 10 Student
Sports Academy
“The session was active, enjoyable and different from a normal classroom lesson. Everyone had an opportunity to participate, and I learned more about fitness, teamwork and how my body responds to exercise. We were moving and learning at the same time.”
Year 6 Student
School Fitness and Wellbeing Incursion
“The presentation was honest and easy to understand. It covered pressure, relationships, online behaviour and choices that students our age actually deal with. I left thinking more seriously about my actions and the kind of person I want to become.”
Year 10 Student
Healthy Teens Keynote
“Before joining the gym, I struggled with body image and self love. From the moment I joined, I became happier. Paapa and the team encouraged me, listened to me and made me feel understood.
The team does not only help with physical health. They also provide a safe place where you can talk, feel heard and know your opinions are valued.”
R. Marney
Student
School Gym Program
“Since I started using the school gym, I have developed a regular exercise routine and learned the importance of consistency and discipline.
The benefits have gone beyond physical fitness. My mood has improved, I feel more focused and energised throughout the day, and I have become better at managing stress. This has also had a positive effect on my academic performance.”
N. Rowe
Student
School Gym Program
Healthy Teens uses student surveys, reflections, teacher feedback and participation observations to help schools understand program impact.
Results from student feedback following a recent Healthy Teens secondary school program. Outcomes may vary according to the cohort, program duration and delivery format.
“Many students who were initially hesitant to participate in physical activities became actively engaged, showing noticeable improvements in both their physical capabilities and their overall attitude towards fitness”
Mark Bennett
Deputy Head of Middle School (Boys)
Haileybury College
“The program had a positive impact, strengthening student confidence, emotional regulation, and responsible decision-making”
Nicole Rietveld
Deputy Principal – Staff and Students
CREST Education
“Healthy Teens built strong relationships with students and created a positive environment with our CALD students.”
Sifa Mireye-Karakoc VACAP Initiative – School Community Liaison Officer
St Georges Road Primary School & Greater Shepperton Secondary College
“Students highlighted feeling supported by trainers and valued the safe environment created, which aligns closely with our school priorities around inclusion and student voice..”
Sam Darvell Wellbeing and Inclusion Administration — Year Level Coordinator
Cranbourne Secondary College