Toutai Kefu – Valuing Connection and Teamwork in Developing Our Young People

Toutai Kefu is a man who truly believes in the value of teamwork and the role of community in raising young people.

The former Australian rugby union international is currently coaching in Japan, but looks forward to being able to continue his mentoring for The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation upon his return.

Kefu first met Foundation founder and CEO John Godwin through mutual friends and a common love of staying fit through boxing.

“It’s through John that I got involved with mentoring and the great program they run for young people,” Kefu said.

In 2024, he mentored a young man through a program called ‘Lads to Leaders’ held in conjunction with Easts Rugby Union Club, designed to assist them as they become young men and leaders in the community.

The structured sessions, based on the Foundation’s Onwards & Upwards mentoring program, covers topics and activities including providing the young men with tools to assist with Self Esteem, Goal Setting, Leadership, Time Management and Giving Back to the Community. Each participant is partnered with a mentor who assists them through the program.

“The young man in Grade Eight I mentored didn’t have a father figure in his life, and was being raised by his mother,” Kefu said.

“We connected through rugby, talking about rugby union and league. This connection was really important in our getting to know each other, forming a bond, and being able to progress through the course. His growth in self-confidence was remarkable.

“We have five kids ourselves, and sometimes I consider myself a big kid, too. You could really see him grow through the course because someone was taking an interest in him.

“This is really important, especially for those kids missing a father or other parental figure in their lives.

“There is so much pressure on kids these days. If you can show an interest in them and they can develop a sense of belonging through joining a club or other group, you will get a different human being as opposed to someone who hasn’t had this experience.

“I’m a coach now, and as a former player, the most important part of a team is that connection you form.

“We recently saw the British & Irish Lions coming together in Australia with players from four countries. That’s quite hard to do, but if they can really connect and really get to know each other, build relationships, then you can really start to achieve things as a team, and that sense of belonging and caring for each other is fantastic not only in sporting teams but for the development of individuals.”

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation will hold over 80 programs in 2025 in Queensland, focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.

The Foundation welcomes new mentors. To register your interest and to find out more please visit inspiringbrighterfutures.com

You can make a general donation to Inspiring Brighter Futures and know that you’re directly improving the well-being and future of people in our community who need it the most.

ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828 440 [email protected]