Media release – UNICEF Australia, 17 July 2023
UNICEF Australia selects Young Ambassador from Tasmania
UNICEF Australia has selected 18 year old Jorja Sigtenhorst from Legana in West Tamar to represent Tasmania as one of nine Young Ambassadors from around the nation, in an 18-month program for aspiring young advocates.
UNICEF Australia CEO Tony Stuart said the organisation has a strong belief that the views of young people must be included in decision making processes on issues that impact them.
“The purpose of UNICEF Australia’s Young Ambassador program is at the heart of everything we do – to hear from a wide range of young people and provide an avenue for them to be heard by decision makers,” Mr Stuart said.
“We know the applicants already have a strong interest in digital wellbeing, climate change and First Nations social justice and over the next 18 months they will hear from other young people of varying backgrounds from around Australia on these topics.
“I would like to congratulate all of our successful applicants who come from cities, as well as regional and rural communities. We look forward to working with you,” he said.
Jorja is a nursing student and has previously been involved in youth advocacy. In her role as UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador she will focus on digital safety and wellbeing.
“Advocating for the rights of children is very important to me because I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities in life, no matter where you live, what cultural background you identify with or what your family does,” Jorja said.
“Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and often they are neglected because people don’t believe that their opinions matter. Young people are the future and deserve to have their voices heard and their needs met,” she said.
During the program, the Young Ambassadors will be trained in leadership, advocacy, communication, and how to engage meaningfully with children and young people as part of a consultation process.
Freya Conomos, Child and Youth Engagement Manager for UNICEF Australia said the program will equip the Young Ambassadors with the skills and avenues to have their points heard by decision makers, especially on issues that will affect our young people for generations to come.
“UNICEF Australia’s newest Young Ambassadors already have passion in spades and a lot that we can learn from their lived experience. This program will help them become advocates in their own right by building skills to connect data with their viewpoints and experiences,” Ms Conomos said.
“Throughout the program the Young Ambassadors will have the opportunity to meet with key decision makers and other stakeholder groups. We are excited to work alongside these incredible young people for the next 18 months,” she said.
