Leading for the next generation

How Cape York Leaders Program is helping Jaleighra lead with purpose 

For Jaleighra Deeral, joining CYLP in Year 7 was a life-changing experience that helped her grow into the leader she is today. Now, as a senior at St Peter’s Lutheran College in Brisbane, she is preparing for the next step on her leadership journey. 

Trading Hope Vale for the bustling city was a challenge. However, with some determination, she threw off those initial feelings of homesickness that every boarder feels and welcomed what this new opportunity brought her. 

“At first it was hard being away from home, but now I’m used to it. I’ve found freedom and independence,” she said. 

“I got close to new friends in boarding and we helped each other out. And I always FaceTime my family to catch up.” 

Being thousands of kilometres away from home, CYLP scholars can face many challenges, however their Student Support Officers (SSO), can make it feel just like home. 

The SSOs provide the students with whatever support and resources they need to succeed. This includes stationery for school, uniforms, equipment and even extra curricular activities. Jaleighra herself relied on the SSOs to ensure that she had what she needed for her studies and training while at St Peters. 

While they provide access to school supplies, the SSOs also provide an essential connection to home, essentially being the bridge between the scholar and their home community. They will also gather CYLP student within the region for special events every term, providing connection, community and friendship away from home. 

“Cape York Leaders Program helped me with my uniforms, shoes and training. They also supported me with TAFE and getting ready for my career,” she said. 

When asked what makes a good leader, Jaleighra believes that a good leader is one that “helps younger ones settle in, encourages them to focus on school and be on the right path.” 

Being a positive role model for the next generation is a big part of Jaleighra’s drive, alongside finishing Year 12, getting a good job and showing the “younger ones they can do it too”. 

“I want to be independent and encourage others to do the same,” she said 

Her dream job? Working in the mining industry, driving haul trucks and building a successful career. 

“Without CYLP, I’d probably be at home doing nothing,” Jaleighra said. “This program helped me focus on my goals.” 

As CYLP celebrates 20 years of empowering young leaders, Jaleighra is proud to be part of that story. 

“It’s exciting being part of the 20-year celebration. I’ve been in the program for about six years and it’s helped me and so many others graduate Year 12 and beyond.”