Tasmanian youth bound together by learning journey

A GROUP of young men and women from different cultural backgrounds recently returned from a 10-day voyage aboard the traditional tall sailing ship, the STV Windeward Bound.

The Youth Leadership Challenge is an initiative of the Windeward Bound Trust, Rotary Club of Hobart and the Migrant Resource Centre of Southern Tasmania.

The program, which was established in 2012, is a unique youth development project that fosters cross-cultural exchange between “established” Tasmanian youth and “new” Tasmanian youth from refugee backgrounds.

During the voyage group members tried their hand at navigating, steering, handling sails and climbing aloft on the ship.

Windeward Bound captain Sarah Parry said part of the journey focused on teaching the crew about the necessity of communication and teamwork.

“Combined with opportunities for stepping into leadership positions, this journey [was] a truly life-changing experience for all involved,” she said.

“At a time when there is much concern in the community for the wellbeing of young refugees languishing in detention, we have mutually recognised the need for positive action to assist young new Tasmanians to feel part of their community.

“These voyages can be the first chance many of these youth ever have to just be themselves in a safe environment.”

The Youth Leadership Challenge is made possible by grants from the Rotary Club of Hobart, Future2 Foundation, MyState Foundation, Tall Ships Voyaging Fund and Hobart City Council.