Kaluumn inspires others to beat the odds

Kaluumn Maple is a 15-year-old university student who says anything is possible with a little determination.

With that in mind, he is calling on the youth of Orange to come together to make Orange the best place for young people to grow up.

Kaluumn is a member of the Orange City Council Youth Action Council and is using his talents to create ways to keep kids off the streets.

“I’m organising a free art workshop for kids aged anywhere from eight years old to 20 years old,” Kaluumn said.

“I’ve found art to be a great way to express yourself and I hope to get kids using art in the same way rather than doing things which get them into trouble.”

The Youth Action Council is a great way to meet friends, throw around ideas and create events for young people, Kaluumn said.

“And there’s free food,” he said.

“It’s really welcoming, you get accepted by everyone and all ideas get taken on board.

“It’s a really safe space.”

Kaluumn knows a thing or two about perseverance after spending the last eight years in a wheelchair following a bout of disease.

But through hard work and determination he has been working on strengthening his leg muscles and is hoping to be wheelchair free in the next six to 12 months.

Afterwards he hopes to continue his law and medical degrees at the University of New South Wales, on campus.

He said his art has helped him through the tough times and given him some perspective on life and he hoped to pass on that knowledge to others, through the workshop.

“I’ve always been passionate about art, it so peaceful when you’re doing it,” he said.

“It takes you away.”

Kaluumn will show workshop participants how to use a pencil correctly for sketching, how to shade and how to “measure up” for a sketch.

The workshop is expected to be held in October and anyone interested in attending, or anyone interested in being part of the Youth Action Council is urged to contact Orange City Council Youth Development Officer Katrina Hausia at khausia@orange.nsw.gov.au

INSPIRATIONAL: Kaluumn Maple wants to share his talent with others.