Young Australian leader selected for voyage of a lifetime

Western Sydney University student Qisthy Kodarusman, has been selected from over 1,000 worldwide applications to join 240 young leaders from around the world to take part in the Ship for World Youth Leaders Program, a prestigious youth development program.

The 19-year-old Yagoona resident has been selected for the Program – operated by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan – based on her work with the Greater Western Sydney community and is one of just 12 young Australians to participate in the program.

Qisthy, who speaks four languages, is currently studying a double degree in International Studies and Social Science at Western Sydney University.  She is also a member of The Academy, a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership scholarship, and has recently been appointed as a student ambassador.

Departing this month, the group will be participating in a six-week journey aboard the Nippon Maru where they will live, study and discuss global issues together.  The program will also allow them to participate in multi-cultural exchange activities to foster international cooperation.

The delegation will visit Japan, Singapore, India and Sri Lanka as part of their journey alongside delegations from India, Mexico, Mozambique, Oman, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka and Japan.

While on board participants will attend seminars conducted by field experts, plan independent activities and convene participant-led workshops around themes of cross-cultural understanding, with the aim of enhancing participants' international outlook and fostering  a spirit of international co-operation.

Qisthy says: “this is the opportunity of a lifetime. To meet and share the phenomenal experience with like-minded wound people is a great opportunity develop a deeper understanding of other cultures”.

Since the Ship for World Youth program began in 1967, only 170 Australians have been selected.

National Leader of the program, Andrew Higgs says: “I am proud to welcome Qisthy into the Ship for World Youth delegation. She will be a wonderful representative for her community but also a great ambassador for Australia”.

Follow and support their journey on Facebook (@ShipForWorldYouthAustralia (opens in a new window)), Twitter (@swyaus (opens in a new window)) and Instagram (@swyaus(opens in a new window))

ENDS

22 January, 2018

Media Unit