Cade Lucas
As the daughter of Senegalese immigrants who grew up in one of the most multicultural communities in the country, joining the United Nations seems a natural progression for Werribee’s Jewoseydi Barry.
After an arduous application and interview process, The 18 year-old student was recently selected from hundreds of applicants to be the UNICEF Young Ambassador for Victoria.
It’s a role that involves listening to and advocating for young people, something Ms Barry said her childhood in Wyndham prepared her for.
“Growing up and living in Wyndham has given me insight on the experiences of young people from so many different backgrounds and walks of life,” she said.
“I can draw from these different perspectives when discussing ways to support marginalised children and young people to policy-makers and politicians.”
Meeting with young people and decision makers is part of the ambassadorship, as is training in advocacy, communication and leadership.
But ambassadors also have to champion a cause and despite her background as an immigrant growing up in the cultural melting pot of Wyndham, Ms Barry chose one from within Australia rather than abroad.
“I have always felt that the plight of First Nations people mirrors that of the history of many immigrant groups in Australia,” she said of why she will focus on First Nations social justice during her 18 month tenure.
“I’ve always been interested in learning about First Nations history and culture, which led me to do sociology (at school) last year.
Throughout the year, I was able to learn more about the connections between historical Indigenous mistreatment and how they have manifested into the ‘gap’ seen between First Nations people and non-First Nations people.”
Racism looms large over the shared plights of Indigenous Australians and immigrants and while Ms Barry has experienced plenty herself, she said Wyndham’s diversity provided protection.
“The vast majority of the time, growing up in Wyndham was great, and it was rare for me to feel out of place given how multicultural and welcoming the community is.”
Details: www.unicef.org.au/young-ambassadors.
