Building community and confidence day by day

Before Ayva joined NASCA she found it hard to trust people. Today, she has a solid community around her, her confidence has soared and most importantly she's found a place where she can thrive.

High school can be a tough place for young people, but especially so if you’re different. For Ayva, being able to walk through the world with her head held high was something she had struggled to do her whole life. 

“Before NASCA I couldn’t trust anyone,” says Ayva.

“She was bullied at school, she never wanted to go, she never wanted to do anything, or go anywhere she was just in her room all the time,” says Ayva’s Mum, Deneen.

But things started to change when Ayva entered year 11 at Chifley Senior College in Sydney’s western suburbs.

“Meeting Ayva was serendipitous,” says NASCA Team Leader, Paola Alvarez. 

“Her NDIS transport had fallen through and we offered NASCA’s transport service to get her to and from school,” says Paola.

Ayva was very shy at first and didn’t have a lot of confidence, but as time went on and she got to know the NASCA team and other NASCA students, things began to shift for her.

“I came out of my shell more, they made me feel supported and included, they are so helpful and caring and that helped me with my anxiety and confidence,” says Ayva.

As Ayva’s sense of safety and community grew so did her confidence. She started to participate in NASCA activities, learning traditional dancing and weaving and even going out on Country for cultural excursions – something that was brand new for Ayva – who had previously only ventured out with her family. 

Today, Ayva has blossomed into a confident, strong, and proud Kamilaroy woman, surrounded by good friends, a solid community, and a support network that brings out the best in her. 

“It has been an absolute privilege to witness Ayva’s journey, she has gotten so much more confidence, she’s found her voice,” says Paola.

“I don’t think she’d be where she is today if it wasn’t for NASCA,” says Deneen.