Year 9 - Global Youth Forum
Global Youth Forum
On the 14th, 17th and 18th of November a group of Year 9 students were honoured to participate in a Global youth forum presented by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Asia Education Foundation and the University of Melbourne. It consisted of a three-day program that allowed us to connect online with students from other schools in the Asia Pacific region. These included places like China, Indonesia, India, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand as well as Vietnam. The program gave us the opportunity to discuss and develop our knowledge regarding what it means to be a global citizen, our culture and identity, our leadership skills, and intercultural capabilities, as well as activate our student voices. Alongside the opportunity to communicate with other schools, we were able to listen to many inspirational speakers including youth advocates, young changemakers, the Victorian Young Person of the Year, as well as an elder of the Aboriginal community.
Although all the presenters who spoke to us positively changed our perspectives, Sizol Fuyana, who is the 2022 NT Young Person of the Year, stood out to us the most. Sizol is currently a student at Charles Darwin University and is completing a Bachelor of law and Psychology. Alongside her study, she has her own non-profit organisation called Fuyuna Support that aims to support at-risk young people. Her work has truly inspired us to volunteer for organisations and try to better the lives of others where possible. Sizol Fuyuna also highlighted the importance of knowing who you are and the importance of not trying to fit into the stereotypes which society has created. She acknowledged that as humans we need to be aware of our mental health and to acknowledge when we need assistance. There is a difference between knowing yourself and someone knowing you. Not everyone will understand who you are and how you feel. When you realise that you can only define yourself that is a superpower.
Another one of our highlights was the opportunity to communicate with schools from all over Australia as well as the Asian-specific region. We enjoyed discussing the key topics covered throughout the program in break-out rooms, but we also enjoyed the genuine conversations we had with other schools about their experiences. As the program progressed our ideas and perspectives became stronger and clearer, allowing for more meaningful and open conversations. We also gained a profound sense of confidence to share our ideas and communicate with various schools from around the world.
We also took part in a group project, where we chose a significant modern-day problem and implemented our own ideas into a poster, which presented our solutions to that problem. Our group chose bullying for our topic and we linked it to racism and not being afraid to express your cultural identity. We believe this is a current issue where many people are being bullied and are ridiculed simply for wanting to embrace their own culture. We also mentioned our social justice clubs such as Leos, how we support charities and have cultural week, including cultural performances. We were able to highlight these events and some other ways Marian College celebrates justice and social diversity with schools in Victoria, as well as many other schools from across the world.
Overall, as a collective, we are forever grateful for this wonderful opportunity, the knowledge gained from this experience and the newly found confidence. We would also like to thank our teachers who have assisted us throughout the program and this wonderful opportunity.
By Leah Pikoulas and Sehansa Samarakoon Mudiyanselage, on behalf of the Global Youth Forum team (Marian College)
