Real-World Success Story

The MADYACA Program
Success Story

Witness the transformational power of Dr. Schultz's research in action through the MADYACA program - a real-world implementation that demonstrates the effectiveness of the Human Flourishing Model in preventing youth marginalization.

MADYACA program participants engaged in community activities

MADYACA in Action

Young people discovering purpose and building community connections

Human Flourishing Model in Practice

The MADYACA program demonstrates how Dr. Schultz's 9-element Human Flourishing Model creates comprehensive youth development that addresses marginalization at its roots.

Community

Building strong community connections and belonging through structured activities and shared experiences.

MADYACA Implementation:

Community-building activities, group projects, and collaborative learning

Moral Contradictions

Helping youth navigate moral dilemmas and develop ethical decision-making frameworks.

MADYACA Implementation:

Ethics workshops, moral reasoning exercises, and values clarification

Culture

Understanding and respecting cultural identity while fostering positive cultural engagement.

MADYACA Implementation:

Cultural awareness activities and identity exploration programs

The Individual

Personal development focusing on individual strengths, identity, and self-awareness.

MADYACA Implementation:

One-on-one mentoring, personal goal setting, and individual assessments

Life-long Learning

Fostering curiosity, learning habits, and continuous personal and academic growth.

MADYACA Implementation:

Study skills training, educational goal setting, and learning support

Modern Pressures

Equipping youth to handle contemporary challenges and societal pressures effectively.

MADYACA Implementation:

Resilience training, stress management, and coping strategies

Care

Providing comprehensive care and support addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

MADYACA Implementation:

Pastoral care, counseling support, and holistic wellness programs

Adaptation to Change

Building flexibility and resilience to navigate life transitions and unexpected challenges.

MADYACA Implementation:

Change management training and adaptability skill development

Moral Thinking

Developing critical thinking skills for ethical reasoning and moral decision-making.

MADYACA Implementation:

Critical thinking exercises and moral reasoning development

A Holistic Approach to Youth Development

Rather than addressing symptoms, the MADYACA program tackles the root causes of youth marginalization through comprehensive support that nurtures every aspect of a young person's development - spiritual, social, educational, and practical.

Core Philosophy:

"When young people flourish in all dimensions of life, marginalization becomes impossible and transformation becomes inevitable."

- Dr. Carol Schultz

MADYACA Program Context & Real-World Implementation

Based on Dr. Schultz's doctoral research, MADYACA provided authentic community-based programs for marginalized youth in Warwick, Queensland from 2010-2013.

Authentic Program Implementation

Young People Served

Over 100 marginalized young people (aged 12-20) in Warwick, Queensland

90% were highly mobile Indigenous young people

• Experienced adverse childhood experiences: child abuse, homelessness, poverty, school absenteeism

• Drug use, crime, violence and homelessness were common challenges

• All had low levels of education

• Approximately half became involved with the justice system

Programs Implemented

Literacy Program (funded by Sisters of Mercy)
Numeracy Program
Sport and Recreation Program
MAD 4 Life Program
Mentor Program
Life Management Program
Motor Sport Program

Documented Program Outcome: Fitness Challenge Success

In a six-week Fitness Challenge program, 17 young people participated with activities including gym sessions and nutritional education. 10 young people completed the challenge successfully.Participants reported that they "felt healthier, slowed their alcohol consumption and generally felt better about themselves."

Research Context: MADYACA served as the professional context for Dr. Schultz's doctoral research, providing real-world implementation experience that informed the development of the Human Flourishing Model and Education Continuum Model for addressing youth marginalization.

MADYACA Program in Action

See the Human Flourishing Model come to life through real photos of MADYACA program participants engaged in transformational activities and community building.

MADYACA program participants in community service activities

Youth engaged in meaningful community service projects

Group mentoring session with MADYACA participants

Small group mentoring sessions fostering spiritual development

Educational support and tutoring activities

Academic support and tutoring creating educational excellence

Leadership development and character building activities

Leadership development building strong character foundations

Community engagement and relationship building

Building meaningful community connections and relationships

Life skills training and practical preparation

Life skills training preparing youth for independent success