Donna Jones
Last Tuesday, more than 130 students from Sunshine Coast schools, including Gympie, attended a leadership event, held at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Schools were invited to attend Altitude Day, an annual multi-school positive education and leadership event, held in 13 locations across Australia and facilitated by Brisbane-based non-profit yLead.
The experience was created to provide an environment where students can truly understand what it means to be a leader outside the classroom.
Themed around discovering their potential and pursuing goals, Year 9 students focused on connecting with peers, getting out of their comfort zones,
hearing stories of overcoming adversity, and articulating what their big ambitions are and how they can take action in their communities.
“We know that when young people exist in communities that embrace them, support them and allow them to belong, they can and will flourish,” said CEO of yLead Belinda Yorston.
“At yLead, we believe in young people. We know that when they are protected, nurtured and empowered, they have the capability do remarkable things.
”Throughout the single-day program, students are encouraged to connect with participants from other schools across the region.
“One of the best parts of Altitude Day is seeing students from all backgrounds and school demographics interacting.
“It challenges them, however, in the safe and supportive environment that my team creates, students have their eyes opened to what true inclusion looks like.”
“Altitude Day celebrates diversity, seeing it as a real strength. It teaches students how to be supportive no matter what their personal goals.”
The roadshow started in Toowoomba on Monday and aside from the Sunshine Coast will visit Townsville, Canberra, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney, also visiting Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Playford and Perth.
“By offering young people an experience that provides them with the confidence to be themselves and the framework to turn their passion and goals into a reality, Altitude Day empowers Year 9 students to create relationships and achieve their goals to make a positive difference,” said Ms Yorston.