Mercedes College student Danikka Calyon heading to the United Nations

FOR most Year 11 students, rubbing shoulders with world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly would be a daunting prospect.

But Mercedes College student Danikka Calyon is relishing her role as national youth ambassador for Save the Children Australia.

Danikka was selected from more than 700 applicants for the national youth ambassador role and will travel to New York later this month to attend the 70th United Nations General Assembly.

She will join other Save the Children delegates from around the world in calling on the UN to act on issues facing young people in their countries.

Danikka is a member of the Noongar community in Armadale and said she was passionate about giving young people a voice and contributing to positive change in her local area.

Danikka started volunteering as a mentor for at-risk children after taking part in Save the Children’s One Step Closer program in 2013.

The program provides after-school activities and workshops for about 60 children in a variety of challenging situations or environments.

Danikka said it took time to adapt to the challenges of working with younger children.

“I had to get to know them,” Danikka said.

“I had to learn how to communicate and engage with them, and earn their trust.”

Before she leaves Australia, she will join three other state representatives at the National Youth Forum in Canberra.