Firstly, shout out to the awesome Vision Generation girls at Iona Presentation College. As a dedicated group of leaders in social justice issues you have really inspired me to work hard to make change in our world.
Also Padbury Senior High School, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, Yanchep District High School and North Beach School - I had a great day in your schools. I've heard so much about your schools, after living in the northern suburbs all my life, so it an honour to be able to come into your schools and have the opportunity to talk to you.
Everyone, I think I have the best job in the world!
This past seven months as the Youth Ambassador for Western Australia has been amazing.
It was the PERFECT way to spend my Gap Year.
Just think about it - - Travelling to Nepal to see poverty firsthand, and getting to know the amazing people who work for World Vision in that country, and the awesome work that they do.
- Knowing firsthand the difference that World Vision makes to impoverished communities in our world, with the goal to make those communities self-sustainable.
- Getting the opportunity to speak in schools around Western Australia, and to encourage everyone to get involved in this year's 40 Hour Famine.
- Knowing that the money raised does makes a HUGE difference in countries living in poverty - a difference that is directly linked to the Australian school students who participate and raise money in the 40 Hour Famine.
Travelling with the other amazing Youth Ambassadors from around Australia!
We were stangers at the beginning of the year. We are now friends for life.
- This whole year I have been learning about campaigns that are focused on ending poverty and giving back life to the poorest of the poor.
This is my dream in life, for World Vision and other development organisations to no longer exist. Having resources and facts readily available has really helped me underestand complex issues.
- I'm surrounded by positive people who encourage and challenge me.
For example my friend has extended her 40 Hour Famine to be a week long event. She is going to deny herself something different each day during the week, and then she will do the Famine on the weekend.
When Sarah Bond told me her plan, I was like: "'YES!' I have copied her idea... sponsor us :)"
- Being a Youth Ambassador is a volunteer role for World Vision, so instead of me being paid World Vision can use that money to help others that need it WAY more than me.
To that I am so excited, because I love the work that I do with World Vision and at the same time I am helping the 1 billion people living in poverty... here's a video from our trip:
Well, you can have my job (next year)!
If you are keen to be a Youth Ambassador in 2011, get excited - it is an awesome program. And with this year's 40 Hour Famine only three weeks away its time to set your targets over $200, and click here to see if you are eligible to apply.
Be asking your family and friends to donate you (mention to them that you want to want to the next Youth Ambassador - my family and friends 'dug deep' to help me raise the amount).
Get Hungry for change... I know I am
Let me know in the comments if you're considering applying to be a Youth Ambassador in 2010