02/09/2026
Hello MANA Youth Project Community.
Mentor Rick here.
In a few days I will be doing a Live broadcast on the Page about the future of MANA Youth Project including our core programs and MANA Akademy Afterschool Clubs.
I did not want to make any big announcements in a text post alone, but after Term 3 Finishes up, MANA Youth Project and Clubs will be ceasing operation after 10 years of providing outreach, program based mentoring and also afterschool club activities the last 3 years.
It will be a bit of a grieving period for myself, but I know when the jig is up, and when to walk away when something isn't working.
To be truthful, the last 10 years has been up uphill climb. There has been massive peaks of accomplishments, but unfortunately outnumbered by periods of plateau and utter flatline.
In pursuit of a purpose, I have sacrificed alot over the years, as most do in pursuit of their own.
Mental, emotional, physical and of course financial pressures. A total lack of security. Becoming a father. And some horrendous personal life events have completely wiped me out, no more than this last year.
I'm tired now.
And my life is taking new trajectories in an effort to at least recoup some of what has been lost.
Therefore, I no longer feel like I'm in a position to actively be paid to mentor young people at this time. Not within my own business at least. I will still be applying my knowledge, experience and skills towards Youth Work in other areas.
I don't believe this is the complete end of MANA Youth Project. I have put too much work into this over the years to let it die. Let's just say... I'm putting the Sword in the Stone for now, until a time I believe it will be needed in the world.
For families and young people who have engaged with our services, received mentoring whether through outreach or in our Pathfinder Program, our clubs, you can still contact me. This has always been an important, foundational pillar for MANA. consistency and access. And for those active in our Discord. The server will still operate and remain as a platform you can talk games, share your art and access mentors.
Thankyou so much for allowing me to walk beside your young people when I was needed, for a short time, or for some families, over the course of years. It has been the honour of a lifetime to be a chapter in your life; Youth worker, mentor, sage, wizard or otherwise.
Join me in a few days for a Facebook Live event where i will say a proper goodbye, and reflect on all of our achievements and good news stories from the past decade.
Thankyou
Once Mentor, Rick Boland 🧙🏾♂️
