An Indigenous leadership program run by Souths Cares, the non-profit arm of the Rabbitohs NRL Team, is delivering big for the community according to an independent evaluation conducted by Social Ventures Australia (SVA). ‘Nanga Mai Marri’ (which means ‘Dream Big’ in the Gadigal language) works alongside Indigenous students in years 11 and 12 to identify and develop education and employment outcomes based on personal strengths and interests.
SVA Consulting worked with Souths Cares on a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis that showed that for every dollar invested in ‘Nanga Mai Marri,’ $2.10 of value is created for participants and government. An investment of $466,590 in the program between FY2012 and FY2014 created close to $1 million in value.
The program plays a unique role in bringing together students, parents, corporate partners, educators, community groups and Rabbitohs players to collaboratively support students on their personal journeys. The report – which took ten weeks to research – involved representation from all key stakeholders, including students, their families, schools, training and employment providers, mentors, and the government.
The analysis showed that 94 per cent of program participants were on track to transition to their chosen field – either completing a traineeship, at university or TAFE, working, or attending school. This compares very favourably to the nationwide average of 65 per cent of Indigenous young people achieving positive transitions into employment.
The report also found that the sense of belonging and ‘greater sense of pride about being an Indigenous person’ were important factors in the programs’ success, alongside the mentor/participant relationships that developed.
‘This report will help Souths Cares demonstrate and share the story of the positive difference they are making in the community,’ commented Simon Faivel, Senior Consultant at SVA.
‘It will also help them to better understand the elements behind the program’s success, and to leverage these strengths so that the program can continue to grow its impact.’
Souths Cares General Manager, Shannon Donato added ‘we are delighted with the evaluations findings. Whilst we see first-hand the difference the program makes to the life of each participant, this independent report substantiates and quantifies the difference we are making. It also allows us to more accurately report on the social and financial benefit the program provides the participants, the government and thus the wider community’.
‘We consider Social Ventures Australia the peak national body for independent ‘Social return on investment’ evaluations and are delighted they took the time to evaluate and report on our program’.
Souths Cares would like to thank The Trust Company Ltd as trustee for the Cecil and Neita Quail Trust and the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet who funded this important evaluation.
