UQ student helps build classroom in Vanuatu

UQ education and Indigenous Studies student Selena Uibo has learnt a valuable lesson from a recent trip to Vanuatu: learning from other cultures can teach you a lot about yourself.

During the summer break Ms Uibo was one of only five students selected from around the country to participate in the first Youth Challenge Australia: Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP), and will share her experiences at the “No East, No West” conference in Malaysia.

The Youth Challenge Australia project brings together young Australian Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders to volunteer for community development projects.

The group spent six weeks building a classroom in the rural village Ekipe on the island of Efate and also facilitated workshops on health, education, public speaking and fundraising for the local community.

“It was important to let the young people there know that they are a major part of their community and they can contribute in many ways,” Ms Uibo said.

For the duration of their placement, the volunteers were set up with host families who welcomed them into their homes and community, teaching them the basics of the local language, Ni Vanuatu traditions and customs.

“They didn’t have much in the sense of material things, but they had a lot to give and a really strong sense of community. After six weeks we picked up the language really well,” she said.

Since 1992, Youth Challenge Australia has sent more than 2500 young adults around the world on service projects lasting five to twelve weeks.

Following graduation, Ms Uibo plans to return to the Northern Territory to teach history and social studies in the area she grew up. She said she would eventually like to be involved in the political process to help fuse better relationships with Indigenous people and the government.

Her experience as a volunteer in Vanuatu has furthered her commitment to the cause and given her the perspective to work effectively with rural communities.

“When you are away from everything you know, and you live and work with the same people everyday, it gives you a chance to see what’s important and what you can learn about yourself,” she said.

Vanuatu, a chain of islands in the South Pacific, has some of the lowest standards of living in the world.

Ms Uibo will take the knowledge from her experiences with the people of Vanuatu people to the “No East, No West” International Conference on Intercultural Dialogue being held from April 26-30 in Malaysia.

The conference will involve young people, religious leaders, professionals and politicians to facilitate the dialogue and understanding of other cultures.

Ms Uibo will put together a report of her experience from the conference and her time in Vanuatu to assist future Youth Challenge Australia volunteers.

Media: Allison Rock at UQ Communications (allison.rock@uqconnect.edu.au)