Charlie has been a part of the program for three years, which included an exchange trip to Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands. During these experiences, she was able to meet Elders and learn a little bit of the local language. This made her feel welcome within her culture and inspired for the future.
“When we went to the Wujal Wujal and the waterfall and had the smoking ceremony – that was – I don’t even know how to explain it. It was crazy. When I went to the waterfall it was surrounded by all Aboriginal people of the same culture and just doing it together. I’ll take home how special that was and share that with people,” Charlie said.
She continues to step up and try new things each day, regardless of whether it makes her uncomfortable. “Before I came on this trip, I was really scared to talk … when I tried new things, I felt scared … but afterwards, I was like, why was I scared?”
The Young Mob Program is one of many key World Vision programs working to respect and value the cultural significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can learn more here.