Nathan Holland, a recent alum of the Blue Skies programme, recently contributed £6,000 to the organisation on his own accord. He then flew back to RAF Marham to present the donation to the Jon Egging Trust. Unsurprisingly, his current employer was the one to land this donation. Most importantly, it will allow many more young people to experience the transformative opportunities provided by this excellent program. Beyond providing a paid alternative to summer incarceration, our Blue Skies initiative builds youth up personally, training them in the importance of teamwork and leadership. Since first enrolling at age 12, Holland’s life has been transformed.
For Holland, this journey started after his headteacher encouraged him to get involved with the Blue Skies programme. Held at Norfolk airbase, this program equipped him with the leadership skills that launched him in the direction of so many extraordinary achievements. Holland excelled in the program for more than three years. He eventually became head boy at his secondary school and then went on to be a student ambassador at university. He went through a four‐year engineering apprenticeship and learned incredible hands‐on, marketable skills. He attributes much of his success to the support network built by the Jon Egging Trust.
It was the spark which ignited my growth as a person. I really don’t think I could have achieved all those things without the encouragement of the Jon Egging Trust. Their support and advocacy truly shaped my path. It taught me everything,” Holland said, stressing the key role that the programme played in shaping his life.
Gp Capt Leonie Boyd said her desire to see the programme in Australia grew after witnessing its transformational impact on young participants. “It’s really, really beautiful to see that Nathan came here back in 2013 and now he is coming back and supporting us in such a terrific and fantastic way,” she said, highlighting the ongoing legacy of the Blue Skies initiative.
The Blue Skies programme is having a real impact on growing skills at the grassroots. Additionally, it fosters an inspiring community of women helping each other improve and learn. Like those who came before him, Holland is hoping that with his donation, many more young people will have similar opportunities. His dedication to serving others is a testament to the same lessons that were taught to him while he was a member of the programme.
Holland’s ties to the Blue Skies programme are still deep at this writing, as he continues to fight for its critical mission. The donation exemplifies the difference that united communities through youth development can make. It helps people succeed, and it helps their communities thrive.
