MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
One hundred and twenty Australian Youth Ambassadors will gather together
before heading overseas to assist in 17 developing counties in the Asia Pacific
region.
They will be farewelled at a reception at Old Parliament House tonight.
'The Youth Ambassadors make a positive contribution to the development of our
region', Mrs Gallus said.
The Youth Ambassadors are part of the Australian Youth Ambassadors for
Development Program, an initiative of the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Alexander Downer.
The program, which began in 1998, aims to strengthen mutual understanding
between Australia and the countries of Asia and the Pacific. Since 1998 the
Program has placed more than 450 young Australians overseas.
'Their reception in developing counties has been fantastic. These young
Australians have made a concrete contribution to Australia's standing in the
region.'
'These impressive young professionals exchange skills with local counterparts
and bring home a practical appreciation of the cultures, economies and
development needs of the countries they've served in'.
'One Youth Ambassador, now working as an IT software engineer in Canberra, is
going to Kathmandu to work with the Fred Hollows Foundation Eye Hospital. A
marketing and communications adviser is going to Cambodia to work with Save
Cambodia's Wildlife organisation and a further young person is using her
skills as a librarian to work with the Vanuatu Family Health Association', Mrs
Gallus said.
Mrs Gallus will also present Certificates of Appreciation to Australian
Partner Organisations sponsoring Youth Ambassadors. The involvement of partner
organisations from the community, business, education and government sectors is
an important and distinctive feature of the program.
'These partnerships give the added benefit of strengthening linkages and
networks between organisations and institutions in Australia and counterparts in
developing countries', Mrs Gallus said.
Youth Ambassadors are skilled young Australians aged 18-30 placed on
short-term assignments in developing countries.
Media Enquiries:
Kate Cowmeadow (Office of the Parliamentary Secretary) 0418 660 898
Sandra Gray-Rodgers (Departmental) 6206 4898 or 0414 343496