CANNING Vale student Anisa Mire was among 17 young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds accepted into a local empowerment program, held throughout May and June.
Based on an Eastern States program, the local branch of Shout Out aimed to provide a platform for young people to improve their public speaking and media skills to enable them to share their perspective on issues that are important to them.
The program was organised by the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, run by Youth Affairs Council of WA.
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READ NOWMs Mire completed the program on June 12 and delivered a speech about her experiences as a multicultural youth in Australia.
Ms Mire (20) said Shout Out had enabled her to be a catalyst for change within her community.
“I want to be able to take back the narrative surrounding issues about people that look like me, so that we can tell our own stories, our own way,” she said.
“In the future, I hope to see fellow young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds pursuing their interests and passions.
“I hope they know that their ideas are valid and that there are opportunities out there for them too.”
Program co-organiser Sara Shengeb said Shout Out included four full-day workshops on a variety of topics, including speech writing, public speaking and media interview skills.
“This program was about giving young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds a voice,” she said.
“We want them to have the confidence to stand up and speak out about the issues that are important to them.”