Calls for 11 Young Australians to set sail for trip of a lifetime
An international voyage of discovery awaits 11 young Australians to join young people from all over the world on board the Ship For World Youth (SWY 18).
The Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon Sussan Ley, today called for Australians, aged 18 to 30 years, to form the Australian delegation to SWY 18 cruising between 10 January to 2 March 2006.
“SWY 18 is an international cultural exchange programme, organised by the Japanese Government, for young people to develop an understanding of other cultures, encourage youth development and build friendships amongst participants from across the world,” Mrs Ley said.
“Youth from across Australia are encouraged to apply, including young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and youth from rural Australia.
“Those wanting to participate should have an interest in promoting and gaining an understanding of international or cultural issues, youth development and the Japanese culture.
“Participants will be involved in cultural exchange activities on board and during ports of call in Singapore, India, Kenya and Mauritius.
“This trip is a unique opportunity for young Australians to represent our nation’s diversity on an international stage and I strongly encourage them to apply for a trip of a lifetime,” Mrs Ley said.
Nations participating include Japan, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, India, Greece, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Sweden, Tonga and the United Arab Emirates.
“This is a great honour for Australia that the Japanese Government again recognises the contribution made by Australian youth to this programme.
“This reflects well on Federal Government Youth programs overall, and in particular the prestigious, recently announced, National Youth Roundtable and National Indigenous Youth Leadership Goup,” Mrs Ley said.
Applications close Friday 19 August 2005.
For more information visit Ship for World Youth (www.thesource.gov.au/swy), email SWY (swy@thesource.gov.au) or call 1800 624 309 (toll free).
Related information
17th Ship for World Youth program