August 22, 2014

Young leaders learn to embrace diversity through a common cause

A group of UOW students who recently returned from the 33Fifty Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme in Glasgow say the experience left a big impression on them.

The 33Fifty conference – delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society and Common Purpose – saw 100 students from different Commonwealth nations take part in a four-day program designed to help tackle one highly topical question: 'What role does the youth of the Commonwealth need to play in progress toward low-carbon economies?'

During the four days, students visited NGOs to learn how they operate and what actions they are taking in an effort to move towards a low carbon economy. The students also took part in a range of exercises aimed at breaking down perceived cultural barriers between people with different cultural backgrounds so they could help each other overcome various challenges.

Arush Darshana Kumarage, who is a Master of Science student in his final trimester of study, described the experience as being slightly out of his comfort zone but said he found solace in the fact that his fellow participants were able to unite over their common passion to be agents of change.

“I found that all the participants were motivated and driven to make change in their respective spheres of life, which made it easier to work with such like-minded people with similar visions,” he said.

Su Lin Lee, a second year commerce, accounting and business law student, travelled to Glasgow with hopes of meeting people who would expose her to new ways of thinking about societal issues and perspectives on life.

“We learnt so much from each other. We practiced openness and constructive feedback and everyone valued everyone else’s contributions. I felt so small, yet so valued by others. I learnt that each small part can work together to get the world going,” Su Lin Lee said.

“The experience left me asking myself what more can I do to make this world a better place.”

33Fifty formed part of the Legacy 2014 National Programmes, which paralleled the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. More than 900 young adults applied for a place in the programme.