UNICEF Australia has announced two First Nations Young Ambassadors to represent Australia in an 18-month program for aspiring young advocates.
Reede Adams-Beckett, 21, from Tyerrernotepanner (Launceston) and Sian Mccowan, 22, living in Brisbane have been selected to form the group of 11 new UNICEF Australia Young Ambassadors, aged 16-23 years old.
Mr Adams-Beckett is a proud Palawa man with experience working in youth advocacy and who is committed to making a positive and lasting impact within youth policy.
"To me, First Nations social justice means taking action in creating real equality; having a voice as a community, being engaged when decisions need to be made and making an effort to keep the culture of the oldest peoples in the world alive - this means reinvigorating the vast languages, telling our stories and learning from our Elders," he said.
Ms Mccowan is a university student and a proud Biripi and Dunghutti woman, with a strong commitment to equality and justice.
"My passion for children's rights is deeply intertwined with my personal and community experiences," she said.
"While growing up with a mother who worked in law enforcement, I was privy to see the ongoing inequality First Nations Peoples faced when accessing health and mental health services, which greatly compounds their grievous overrepresentation in the justice system, especially for youth.
"I am driven to advocate for systemic change that addresses the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples and ensures that all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive."
UNICEF Australia chief executive Tony Stuart said to effectively advocate for the rights of children and young people to ensure their needs are met, we must first listen to what they have to say.
"From all corners of the country and each with unique life experiences, we want to know what is important to Australia's young people and how we can address the issues that impact them. That is why our Young Ambassador program is central to our mission, and to our ability to reach the young people who don't feel heard," Mr Stuart said.
"We congratulate each member of this group and welcome them to our UNICEF Australia family, where we will work to raise their voices, and give them a platform to encourage their peers to also get involved and share their perspectives."
The 11 successful Young Ambassadors were selected from 350 applicants around the country, through a lengthy application process that included both individual and group interviews.
Over the course of the 18-month program, the group will develop their skills in leadership and communication, while taking part in advocacy at the highest levels of government.
UNICEF Australia Child and Youth Engagement Manager Zoe Grayan said Young Ambassadors will learn how to engage with other young people through consultations and be able to take those insights straight to Canberra.
"Our UNICEF Australia team of experts are ready to guide these new Young Ambassadors to explore their passion areas, to grow their knowledge and teach them the ins and outs of advocacy work," she said.
"The selection process is never easy, but these incredible young people showcased their determination and motivation to make positive change. The 18 months is truly a learning experience for everyone involved, for them as young advocates and for us as an organisation for young people."
