Would some students benefit better from teachers that guide and assist? What experience are there in having positive success with headstrong “at-risk” students?

Sizolwenkosi Fuyana (Sizol) is a businesswoman, podcaster, youth advocate and law student.

After overcoming her own adversities and mental health issues, small business owner Sizol now devotes her life to supporting disadvantaged young people who are at risk of entering the justice system.

Sizol is the founder and Director of Fuyana Support. It’s a youth-oriented consultancy that provides social and emotional wellbeing to young people, equipping them with skills to help them be more effective members of communities.

Sizol has partnered with the City of Palmerston to develop a ‘Youth Info Map’, with the project leading to freelance work with Joblink. She also works with youth at Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. Sizol’s podcast, The Reality Change, is about personal growth and facing adversity. She is also Chair of the 2021 Northern Territory Youth Round Table, which aims to make the government aware of key issues that are important to young people.

A law and psychology student who has volunteered for many working groups, Sizol was recently named the 2022 NT Young Australian of the Year.