Victorian Young Leaders Global Youth Forum

Across the 26th of May, 1st and 10th of June, Ethan Barry, Hayden Falzon & Leigh-Roy Roe represented Greensborough College at the Victorian Young Leaders - Global Youth Forum.  Held entirely online for the first time, our students were able to meet other students from Australia & the world.  After hearing from a range of experts & international students, this program helped our students to ‘Think Global, Act Local’. 

On Day One, students listened to a range of guest speakers who discussed the importance of being a global citizen and diversity.  The most insightful guest speaker from the first day was day Ahmed Hasson who spoke about rehabilitating troubled youth in Australia and his personal struggles.  The day ended with a panel who discussed their personal experiences with race in Australia.  Our students also began working on their personal project after discussion with schools from Australia, Thailand and India. 

On Day Two, our students continued to engage with students in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam & Australia.  Students from around the world discussed social issues in their individual schools & then explored how to use local or global resources to solve these issues.  A particular standout was a meeting with a girls’ school which breaking stigma around traditional female roles.  Our students also discussed societal prejudice.  

Presentations from each participating school occurred on the final day.  Our students gave a presentation on discrimination and how our school can combat it.  Students heard a wide range of topics from an abundance of schools such as: Apps for Teachers, Internet Infrastructure, Uniform Reform and other social issues.  

‘Overall, it was an enjoyable and educational experience where our students got to learn about other countries and their systems.  It helped us aspire to living a less materialistic life’ – Leigh-Roy Roe. 

I found my experience during the global youth forum thoroughly enjoyable.  The connections I made with the teachers, speakers & students were beneficial to my learning and it exceeded my expectations & taught me about my own political aspirations’ – Ethan Barry. 

Andrew Ericksen, 

Learning Leader (School Improvement Team)