Teen volunteer: Rowan Thane, 16, is a student at the Australian International School. He has been teaching circus tricks and performing for Kely since September last year.

'I help out at Kely mainly in the circus department. I specialise in diabolo [a juggling trick that involves balancing or tossing a spool-shaped object on a string fastened to two sticks].

We do performances at schools and teach kids how to juggle or use different circus items. The age of students varies from about eight to 19. It's good as I get to interact with different age groups and improve my skills as a teacher.

Teaching little kids is hard. It involves a lot of energy so you have to be active and enthusiastic about everything you do.

Sometimes they can be quite hyperactive. I change from a 16-year-old into an eight-year-old. I act the way they do to try to let them understand what's going on. If they don't understand, I put it in their terms.

Apart from the circus stuff, the students learn how to have a sense of humour and take a joke.

We did a performance at my school when Jackie Chan came to speak. This was my best and most memorable time at Kely.

I have learned to perform in front of a large crowd without being nervous. I have also learnt how to interact with others in a friendly and inviting way. Above all, I have learnt more about myself and my hidden talents.

I am actually quite a nervous person and used to dislike performing. But I have, to a certain extent, overcome my shyness.

I still make mistakes, but it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.'