Hundreds of young people from all persuasions, backgrounds and groups congregated together in Werribee last week to have important conversations about their collective futures.
On Friday 10 October, MacKillop College hosted more than 200 students from across western Victoria for the Nelson Mandela Youth Leadership Summit.
The purpose of the summit was to empower young people through direct conversations with key stakeholders and public figures to help them develop into leaders, and ultimately be spokespeople for peace and social cohesion.
The day started with a panel discussion about shared community values, before students were given a platform to ask questions to local politicians and social leaders about how they can personally– and collectively– make a difference in their worlds.
Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming, Werribee MP John Lister, Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin and Africause chief executive Dr Berhan Ahmed listened to the voices of tomorrow.
Ubuntu, a southern African philosophy that stresses the importance of community and that was espoused by former South African president, civil rights campaigner and event namesake Nelson Mandela, was the guiding principle of the day.
Following the robust discussions, students took place in interactive games and leadership exercises that were designed to build confidence and cooperation skills.
The event was co-hosted by the HWPL Peace Education Program, as well as HWPL and Future Voices programs.
