Training & Development
How MSA equips every leader with the skills, knowledge, and support to deliver an exceptional experience.
Investing in Our Leaders
At MSA Youth Academy, we believe that the quality of our programme is only as strong as the quality of our leaders. That's why we invest significantly in training and developing every person who serves in a leadership role.
Our training programme is designed to equip you with everything you need: from safeguarding knowledge and first aid skills, to understanding our unique curriculum and developing your leadership capabilities. Whether you're a first-time volunteer or an experienced youth worker, there's always more to learn — and we're here to support your growth.
Training at MSA is not a one-off event. It's an ongoing journey of development that continues throughout your time with us. Because when our leaders grow, our children benefit.
Core Training Modules
All new leaders complete these core training modules before or shortly after beginning their service. Together, they provide the foundation you need to lead with confidence and care.
Safeguarding & Child Protection
MandatoryOur most critical training module. Every leader completes comprehensive safeguarding training before their first session. This covers recognising signs of abuse and neglect, responding to disclosures, reporting obligations in NSW, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and MSA’s child safety policies.
Working With Children Checks
MandatoryAll leaders are guided through the WWC check application process and understand why this screening is essential. We ensure every leader holds a valid, verified clearance before they participate in any MSA activity.
First Aid Essentials
Leaders receive training in basic first aid appropriate for youth settings. This includes managing minor injuries, responding to allergic reactions, recognising signs of heat exhaustion or distress, and knowing when to escalate to emergency services. We encourage all leaders to complete a certified first aid course.
MSA Curriculum & Approach
MandatoryAn in-depth introduction to MSA’s unique educational philosophy: the Self-Knowledge Revolution, the Four Pillars of Resourcefulness (Mental, Emotional, Environmental, Spiritual), the khalifa development model, and how to facilitate discovery-based Islamic education rather than lecture-based instruction.
Behaviour Management
MandatoryPractical strategies for managing group dynamics, de-escalating challenging behaviour, maintaining a positive learning environment, and understanding that difficult behaviour is often communication. We teach leaders to respond with curiosity and compassion, not punishment.
Leadership & Communication
Developing your leadership presence, communication skills, and ability to work effectively within a team. This includes public speaking, facilitating group discussions, giving constructive feedback, and modelling the 5 P’s of MSA leadership: Punctual, Prepared, Productive, Polite, and Positive.
Ongoing Professional Development
Initial training is just the beginning. Throughout the year, MSA provides ongoing development opportunities to help you grow as a leader and keep your skills current.
Termly Leadership Meetings
At the start of each term, the leadership team comes together for planning, reflection, and skill development. These meetings cover upcoming session plans, review what’s working, address challenges, and include targeted training on relevant topics.
Session Debriefs
After each session, leaders gather for a brief debrief: What went well? What could be improved? Were there any concerns? This regular reflection builds a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.
Peer Learning
Experienced leaders mentor newer ones. Sharing knowledge, techniques, and lessons learned builds a strong, supportive team culture where everyone grows together.
External Training Opportunities
MSA connects leaders with external training opportunities including accredited first aid courses, youth work certificates, safeguarding workshops, and leadership development programmes offered by other organisations and government bodies.
Your Support Structure
Training is important, but so is knowing who to turn to when you need guidance. MSA has a clear support structure designed to ensure no leader ever feels alone.
Group Leader (GL)
Your primary point of contact. The GL oversees the entire programme, supports leaders, handles escalations, and ensures everything runs smoothly. If you’re unsure about anything, the GL is your first call.
Assistant Group Leader (AGL)
Works alongside the GL to support leaders, coordinate sessions, and step in when needed. A key resource for day-to-day guidance and session planning support.
Coordinators
Specialised coordinators manage specific areas such as curriculum, events, and administration. They provide resources, answer questions, and help leaders deliver high-quality sessions.
Your Fellow Leaders
The leadership team is a community. Lean on each other, share ideas, debrief tough sessions, and celebrate wins together. This work is a team effort, and your colleagues are your greatest asset.
Why Leader Development Matters
Better Outcomes
Trained leaders deliver better sessions, build stronger relationships with children, and create safer environments. The quality of a child’s MSA experience is directly linked to the quality of their leaders.
Safer Children
Leaders who understand safeguarding can recognise warning signs, respond appropriately to disclosures, and maintain the boundaries that keep children safe. Training saves lives.
Confident Leaders
When you feel prepared and supported, you show up with confidence. That confidence translates directly into a better experience for the children in your care.
Personal Growth
The skills you develop as an MSA leader — communication, leadership, empathy, problem-solving — serve you in every area of your life. Many of our leaders describe their MSA experience as genuinely transformative.
MSA's Training Commitment
To our parents: we want you to know that every adult who works with your child at MSA has been trained in safeguarding, understands our curriculum, and is supported by a robust leadership structure. We take the preparation of our leaders as seriously as we take the development of your children.
To our leaders: we are committed to your growth. The skills you develop here — communication, empathy, leadership, problem-solving, resilience — are gifts that will serve you far beyond your time with MSA. We see your service as an investment in your own development as much as in the children you serve.
In Islam, seeking knowledge is an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said: "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." At MSA, we take this literally — learning never stops, and neither does our commitment to developing leaders who are worthy of the sacred trust placed in their hands.
"He who teaches knowledge and acts upon it will be called great in the heavens."
MSA Youth Academy Australia Inc. · ABN: 38 692 380 242