World Youth Day: Meeting Joel Raman - Marist180 Young Achiever Award Winner Empowering Young People Across Sydney

Today is World Youth Day - a global celebration, first initiated by Pope John Paul II, to inspire, unite, and empower young people in their faith. It’s a day that recognises the energy, creativity, and generosity of youth, and calls them to live their faith in action.

For us in the Marist family, World Youth Day also carries a uniquely Marian dimension. In the spirit of Mary, it invites us to say “yes” - yes to walking alongside those on the margins, yes to showing compassion, and yes to witnessing Christ’s love through humble acts of service.

This year, the celebration takes on even greater significance with the Jubilee of Youth currently unfolding in Rome. In a world marked by chaos and unpredictability, young people stand as our greatest force against division and despair, carrying the hope and energy we so desperately need to build a more united and compassionate future.

As part of this spirit of hope, we highlight Joel Raman, a dedicated youth case worker with Marist180 and recipient of the Marist180 Young Achiever Award for his outstanding commitment to young people. Joel knows what it feels like to go unheard and to doubt his own abilities - a struggle rooted in the negative feedback he often received as a child when he was not performing well academically. When he joined Marist180, he committed himself fully to embodying the Marist way - meeting young people where they are, listening without judgement, and helping them find hope and practical pathways for the future - just as he once wished someone had done for him.

In collaboration with Marist180, The Star Post sat down with Joel to hear more about his journey - what drew him to youth work, the challenges he faces in supporting vulnerable young people, and what keeps him motivated in this demanding yet deeply rewarding vocation.

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? 

My name is Joel Raman, and I currently hold two bachelor's degrees and two diplomas. I began working at Marist180 when I was 19 years old as a youth worker in various programs, including Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC), Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM), and Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS). Throughout my time at Marist180, I have taken on additional responsibilities, serving as a house manager and caseworker for the 2-Bed ITCH program. Most recently, I have been working as a caseworker for the TSIL/SIL programs.  

How did you come to work at Marist 180? 

My story begins before I came to Marist180, tracing back to my high school days. I was never the most academically gifted student, and I knew that schooling wasn't the right fit for me. After finishing Year 12, the reality of the world hit me hard. My ATAR score was not high enough for university admission, which was disappointing, especially since I had initially planned to become a police officer. Instead, I enrolled in a diploma in social sciences (policing), which would eventually lead to a Bachelor's degree in policing. 

Because I struggled academically, I often kept my work to myself, avoiding sharing it with others. That changed when I had the courage to show a draft of my work to my teacher. The feedback I received still resonates with me today: "You should not be at this college; this is university-level work." This single piece of feedback was what I needed, especially since, for the past 12 years, I had mainly received negative feedback. 

"Witnessing their growth made me realise that this role was more than just a job; it was an opportunity to change and shape the future leaders of our community."

After completing my diploma, I applied to Marist180 to work as a youth worker, still with the intention of joining the police force after earning my bachelor's degree. As I began working with young people, I fell in love with the job. Witnessing their growth made me realise that this role was more than just a job; it was an opportunity to change and shape the future leaders of our community. All they needed was someone who believed in them, just as that teacher had believed in me.  

Can you tell us more about your role as a caseworker - what does your day-to-day work involve? 

As a caseworker, my role extends beyond the descriptions and responsibilities typically outlined. I have a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people. My daily tasks involve checking in with my clients, advocating on their behalf, planning and coordinating their transition from care, ensuring they receive education or employment opportunities, and connecting them with appropriate supports, such as the NDIS, if needed to access lifelong support. I also work with families to create personalised plans that aim for the best outcomes for each young person. 

In addition, I oversee staffing levels at my programs to ensure that we provide the necessary support for these young people with everyday tasks. I strive to motivate and inspire staff by fostering a sense of purpose and shared goals, while also addressing their learning and development needs to ensure they become future leaders themselves. 

"I strive to motivate and inspire staff by fostering a sense of purpose and shared goals."

Moreover, caseworkers hold hidden responsibilities that include, holding young people accountable for their mistakes, building trust through shared experiences, serving as role models, and offering them unconditional love. This role encompasses much more than just the responsibilities listed in the position description. 

What has been the most challenging part of your work? 

The most challenging aspect of this work occurs when we collaborate with all relevant stakeholders and involve the young person in the decision-making process, only for the plan to fall apart. At times, it feels as though all our hard work has been in vain, leaving us to start from square one once again. 

What motivates you to keep doing this work each day? 

Over the last few years, I have witnessed incredible outcomes for young people. Listing their goals and helping them achieve those goals, while seeing the joy on their faces, is what motivates me to continue this work. I also want to highlight the amazing colleagues with whom I work. Not only do we share the same vision and goals for the young people we serve, but we also create a safe space for vulnerability and open conversations. The bonds formed while working at Marist will be lasting and meaningful. 

"I also want to highlight the amazing colleagues with whom I work. We share the same vision and goals for the young people we serve."

Can you share a moment from your work that really stayed with you or changed you in some way? 

One memorable moment was when a young person who had moved out of Marist180 shared his thoughts with me. When I asked him what he felt was the best thing about his time here, he replied, "No one turned their back on me, even on my worst days." This response truly highlighted how my principles and values were reflected in his experience. We strive to provide unconditional love and support to these young people, regardless of the challenges and issues we may face. 

"When I asked him what he felt was the best thing about his time here, he replied, "No one turned their back on me, even on my worst days.""

Has your work at Marist 180 changed your perspective on life or shaped your personal values? 

Undoubtedly, working here has broadened my understanding of the challenges these young people face, their heartache, pain, and cries for help, as well as the misunderstandings they often encounter, being labelled as risky, complex, and unloved.

Working in this field has revealed that, despite our best efforts to achieve positive outcomes for these young individuals, the system is flawed and presents barriers that limit their true potential. We must do more for these kids; we need to unite and collaborate on addressing these issues.

"We must do more for these kids; we need to unite and collaborate on addressing these issues." 

What kind of impact do you hope to have on the young people you work with? 

The impact I want to have on these kids is to help them feel loved, heard, and destined for success. I want the young people I work with to understand that they are more than just a number, they are people and future leaders of our community.

I want them to know that there is at least one person who believes in them, just as that teacher believed in me academically. Anything is possible for these kids, and I want them all to gain confidence, hold their heads high, and understand the difference between right and wrong. 

"I want them to know that there is at least one person who believes in them."

How did it feel to receive the Young Achiever Award? 

Receiving the Young Achiever Award meant more to me than just having an award to display; it provided me with motivation and hope that my efforts had not gone unnoticed.

This award is given to a young individual who demonstrates the potential to be a future leader in the field and embodies five key characteristics: The Way of Mary, Simplicity, Love of Work, Family Spirit, and Presence. These are all qualities that I cherish and value deeply. 

"The award provided me with motivation and hope that my efforts had not gone unnoticed."

What did it mean to you that your colleagues were the ones who nominated you? 

The feeling I had was unlike anything I had experienced before. Being nominated by my colleagues meant that my efforts, time, motivation, work, and character had not gone unnoticed. I deeply value all the people I work with, and for them to recognise something in me meant the world to me. I will always be grateful for my coworkers.  

"I deeply value all the people I work with, and for them to recognise something in me meant the world to me."

And finally, what does being a young Marist mean to you personally? 

For me, it means I am being seen and heard for my efforts for the young people and staff I serve. It means that what I am doing is being recognised and is being highlighted to others as a pillar of love and support. 

This story was prepared with the assistance of Marist180 and Joel Raman.

About Marist180

Marist180 is a not-for-profit Catholic organisation dedicated to supporting at-risk young people, their families, and communities. It provides a wide range of services including education, accommodation, employment pathways, and out-of-home care to young people facing homelessness, exclusion, or other challenges. With nearly fifty homes and over 500 staff, Marist180 helps thousands of young people each year to build skills for independent living and create positive, hopeful futures. The organisation is part of the global Marist family and is committed to fostering supportive communities where young people can thrive.