Backed by Belief. Built for Impact.

Larita Academy is a youth-focused initiative designed to open doors for young people, aged 15-24, facing complex barriers.

We create real-world learning experiences that spark confidence, inspire leadership, and build pathways to employment and independence.

Powered by partnerships and grounded in purpose, we’re here to help young people shape their futures—with support, not judgment.

OUR WHY

Why was Larita Academy created?

In 2019, Chairman of the LK Group of companies, Larry Kestelman, acted on his desire to develop a strategic and focused way to make an impact in our community. Anita Pahor was appointed as the inaugural Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
and Philanthropy for the group and charged with the task of spearheading the strategy. She surveyed all the CEOs and together they agreed to focus their combined efforts in supporting at-risk youth.

At that same time, Whitelion was grappling with how to address the findings of their own research. Young people reported a lack of confidence, opportunity, work experience and challenges to their resilience holding them back from finding sustainable employment.
However, finding opportunities for young people to be supported in the real world of work, in order to gain experience, skills and confidence, was not easy.

When Whitelion and the LK Group came together, the Larita Academy was born. The brainchild of Anita who realised that the LK Group could provide exactly what Whitelion was looking for to help at risk young people launch their pathway to work.
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Co-designed between the two organisations and, most importantly, including the voice of young people, the Academy’s unique three-day immersive approach builds confidence, skills and connections with the support of accomplished CEO Coaches from across the LK Group, who share their stories of triumph, failure and resilience with open hearts and vulnerability.
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Building on the success of the pilot program, the Larita Academy is delighted to be expanding the 2024 scholarship intake to provide at risk youth with the opportunity to experience three days that will truly impact your life!

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“Whitelion is thrilled to be the inaugural partner for Larita Academy. The genuine partnership and co-design over the last year has culminated in a 3-day immersive program facilitated by real world leaders across the LK Group. The young people Whitelion support consistently ask that they be given a chance to reach their potential. Thank you, Larita Academy, for not just giving young people a chance but also believing in them. Larita Academy will offer positive role models, skills, and exposure to wide-ranging industries – a first in a unique academy format. We can’t wait to see the entrepreneur spirit in action!"
Hang Vo
CEO, Whitelion Youth Agency
“On the one hand we had a group of accomplished business leaders who wanted to give back in a meaningful way, roll their sleeves up and engage directly with the people they wanted to support using their particular smarts. On the other hand, we had an organisation that specialises in supporting at risk youth saying that what was missing was a structured experience that connected young people with business leaders in an environment that could show them what is possible if they apply themselves, believe in themselves and put in the focussed work to figure out what their unique gifting is. It became obvious to me that each cohort had what the other needed and so the Larita Academy was born. I may have conceptualised the academy and its values but it was Larry Kestelman who mobilised his entire executive team and Hang Vo who put it on the Whitelion agenda. It’s a privilege to build this new initiative and I hope that it really does give at risk young people in Victoria what they have been asking for.”
Anita Pahor
Founder, Larita Academy
“Youth unemployment has been a stubborn issue in Australia for some time now and so, if we want to make a difference, we need to try new things. It is not just the young people who are looking for work who need to try though – industry and support agencies all need to meet young people where they are at, share what we know, and go forward together. The Larita Academy is providing us all with that opportunity, and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Amy Marshall
Larita Academy Consultant
“It was awesome being included in the planning process of the Larita Academy. I really appreciated their willingness to get the honest perspectives of young people. I think when people from different backgrounds collaborate, it tends to produce beautiful outcomes so I’m excited to see the programme come to life.”
Nashua Nasser
Whitelion Youth Consultant
Our How

Program Logic

Originally co-designed with our inaugural partner youth organisation, our program logic provides a framework for understanding the inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact of the Larita Academy.
‍​It serves as a guide for program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts and is reviewed annually by the Advisory Working Group.
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Download here

Target Cohort

Young people experiencing risk aged 15- 24

Program Goal

Providing young people at risk an educational and developmental program that creates positive connections, ignites passion, encourages a growth mindset and provides learning, resources and support to assist them in establishing employment pathways.

SITUATION

What young people are facing
• Young people aged 15–24 at risk are navigating unemployment, mental health challenges, disconnection from education, and limited access to professional networks.

OBJECTIVES

What Larita Academy aims to do
• Build confidence and purpose
• Spark entrepreneurial thinking
• Create strong professional connections
• Set young people on pathways to work or study

INPUTS

What makes Larita possible
• Referrals from youth partners
• Scholarships and onboarding
• EmPath™ training for all involved
• LK Group funding and resources
• Expert-led program planning and evaluation

ACTIVITIES

What happens in the program
• Intensive workshop for young people
• Real-world skills and experience through coaching
• Personalised modules developed by business leaders
• Alumni program for ongoing connection
• Data collection and impact evaluation

OUTPUTS

What we deliver
• Graduated class each year
• Tailored learning and career exploration
• Ongoing youth and partner engagement
• Coaches trained in trauma-informed care
• Stories and case studies

OUTCOMES

The change we’re creating
• Short term: increased confidence, connection and clarity
• Medium term: higher engagement in work or study
• Long term: economic independence, social contribution, reduced youth unemployment

OUR COMMITMENT

All coaches, support crew and young people take the Larita pledge, to show commitment to the program and each other.

Coach Pledge

As a coach, I promise to:

Show up every day on time and contribute to making this experience exceptional for participants and volunteers. I'll fully engage, serve, and bring my best self.

Be open and vulnerable, sharing authentically, understanding that perfection isn't the goal—service and connection are.

Respect myself, participants, and volunteers, recognizing that we're all striving to do our best.

Leave the Academy better than I found it, both personally and collectively, for future participants.

Take care of myself—ensuring adequate rest, nutrition, and presence—to effectively support others.

Express gratitude throughout this journey.

Participant Pledge

As a participant, I promise to:

Show up every day on time and actively contribute to making this experience meaningful for myself and others. I understand that success often requires courage and full participation.

Engage in all activities, even those that seem challenging, recognizing that growth often lies outside the comfort zone.

Respect myself, fellow participants, and Academy members, acknowledging our shared efforts.

Be authentic with myself and others.

Seize this opportunity, making the most of every moment.

Strive to leave the Academy better than I entered, contributing to its improvement for future cohorts.

Believe in myself and be brave, not allowing fear to hinder my success and enjoyment

Express gratitude during my time here.

Support Crew Pledge

As support crew, I promise to:

Show up every day on time and play my part in enhancing the experience for participants and coaches. I recognize that success requires courage, full engagement, and a heart to serve.

Be attentive to the needs of participants and coaches, proactively offering assistance.

Respect myself, participants, and coaches, understanding that we're all doing our best.

Aim to leave the Academy better than I found it, both personally and for future participants.

Prioritize self-care—ensuring rest, nutrition, and presence—to effectively support others.

Express gratitude throughout this experience.