Obsa Shafee moved to Tasmania with his family only a year and a half ago as a refugee, not knowing English.
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Fast forward 10 months and he, along with two other young refugees, have given away more than $50,000 worth of vouchers, shoes and other things through their Give Back program.
The program acted as random acts of kindness, with the boys sourcing the donations and then giving them out to people in Launceston.
The year 8 student, who was born in Ethiopia, said the program aimed to break people's pre-conceived ideas about people of African descent.
"We went around to [supermarkets] ... and we just had a chat to the community and we just kept giving out $100 vouchers and some brand new shoes," he said.
"People loved it."
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The 14-year-old was part of JPC Empowering Youth's first two graduation groups for its BEAST program.
The 10 at-risk youth were referred to the program, where they implemented change programs for their communities and attended camps to better themselves.
The Brooks High School student said he would recommend the program to anyone who may be struggling or looking for direction.
"It just changed my life," he said.
"It changed me as a person and improved me as an individual."
His group also worked on a dairy farm, in soup kitchens and spoke around the state about their experience as refugees.
Program director Will Smith said Obsa's group shared their stories at small events and businesses.
"All three of the boys are refugees and have quite impactful stories," he said.
"What ended up happening as a result is that people then donated all this stuff for them to then give out in the community as part of their program."
However he said outside the program Obsa had also been recognised for his progress with a state volunteer award nomination for his mentoring of young people.
"He has lifted his attendance rate at school dramatically compared to when he first arrived here in Australia," Mr Smith said.
"He also works for us, delivering leadership content to young people in northern Tasmania in schools.This is all a progression that's happened over the last 10 months since he started the program."
Despite only two classes graduating so far, Mr Smith said it was arguably the most successful at-risk youth program in the the state due to its sustainability and success.
"The program has increased school attendance rates, lowered youth offending and increased engagement in sport and positive community activities," he said.
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