Inspiring future leaders for Reconciliation Day

Charlie, a young Yuin woman from New South Wales, was once too scared to speak in class as she struggled with her self-confidence. But once she became a part of the Young Mob Program, everything changed for her. The program helped her feel a sense of belonging as she now understands the cultural significance of her Indigenous identity.

“I decided to sign up for this trip because I needed to get out of my comfort zone and actually start learning about my culture since it’s not taught at my school. I don’t really know much about it,” Charlie said.

As part of our commitment to reconciliation, World Vision’s Young Mob Program helps Indigenous youth build stronger connections to their culture. It enables them to grow their leadership and life skills to become the next generation of change makers.

Connection to culture is an important factor in the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous youth. With more than one third of Indigenous students not completing Year 12, fostering an inclusive space focused on Indigenous empowerment is crucial.

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.