The future of local advocacy for refugees and cultural awareness in the north is bright as more than 50 students across nine schools have graduated from this year’s Australian Refugee Association’s Youth Ambassador Program.
A graduation lunch was held at the Playford Uniting Church to celebrate the Year 10 and 11 students, along with the school staff, YP Peer Leaders and ARA staff involved.
Special guests were in attendance, including Minster for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison MP, Member for Elizabeth Lee Odenwalder MP, Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly, Milner Road Foundation Chairperson Lisa Tarca and Member for Light Tony Piccolo MP.
Having been to other events held throughout the year for the Youth Ambassadors, Mr Piccolo believes this program instils the confidence and knowledge required for these students to make a difference to the benefit of their community.
“To see and hear of the support among peers to speak up, perform and do things they may have previously been too shy to do speaks volumes of the program’s ability to unite people from different backgrounds and areas,” said Mr Piccolo.
“These students are building relationships while learning about the different avenues they can take to make changes, exploring ideas and working together to create a more inclusive and understanding community.
“I applaud the students, but also past Youth Ambassador who have continued on as Peer Leaders or staff members to further develop this program, along with all fellow volunteers, educators and staff who help make events like these possible.”
This program allows students to create cultural awareness campaigns and fundraising events at their schools, explore volunteering pathways and earn 10 Stage 1 SACE credits.
Young leaders are empowered to become advocates for positive change in their schools and communities, by promoting understanding of the global refugee experience, the importance of inclusion and the innate value of cultural diversity.
Various cultural performances were showcased by students before and after the certificate ceremony, and guests indulged in a buffet with a variety of dishes cooked by volunteers.