Young Indigenous volunteer leads the way

Louisa Panuel is heading to Vanuatu after gaining a scholarship with the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.

The Northern Outlook youth initiative* is proud to temporarily let go of one of their ardent workers to participate in a community development program on a South Pacific island.

Louisa Panuel, Community Support Officer with The Northern Outlook, is 1 of 5 young people to be awarded a scholarship in the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) to participate in development work in Vanuatu.

“I’m ecstatic! I’ll be in Vanuatu for 6 weeks from December to January volunteering on a community development project,” Louisa said.

The program is funded by Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) under the initiative of Youth Challenge Australia.

The 5 volunteers will travel to Vanuatu to work with Ni-Vanuatu youth on infrastructure projects, such as building a school, establishing a water system and constructing a community hall.

They'll also have the chance to participate in a cross-cultural conference with the Vanuatu Indigenous youth.

“This trip will enable me to enhance my leadership, personal and professional skills through grass roots community development work,” Louisa said.

While living in a rural community in Vanuatu, Louisa will have the opportunity to work, share experiences and develop relationships with the other 4 Indigenous Australians and Ni-Vanuatu youth and their communities.

Louisa was glad that her mentor, Lisa Sarago, Director of Government Coordination for the South team in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services, encouraged her to apply.

FaHCSIA received 124 applications nation-wide, out of which 15 people were shortlisted and only 5 were successful: 3 from Queensland and 2 from Victoria.

For more information about the youth volunteering programs, visit the Youth Challenge Australia website.

*The Northern Outlook is a Department of Communities initiative to help build stronger communities. It provides training for youth and community workers using an Adventure Based Learning (ABL) method in working with vulnerable young people.

The Northern Outlook supports prevention and early intervention strategies using ABL methods and techniques. Adventures and challenging experiences that provide vulnerable young people with unique opportunities to reflect on their behaviour and with guidance, consider constructive ways to learn and grow.

Adventure Based Learning includes a range of activities and expeditions such as canoeing, hiking, challenge ropes course, sea kayaking, abseiling and rock climbing.

The Northern Outlook assists agencies to access adventure based training, resources and support services and to engage positively with young people and their families.

Last reviewed: 06 October 2009

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