This year, Annabelle (10BWHA) has taken part in the Youth Governor's Leadership Foundation Program, working with three other students from independent schools in Adelaide to take action aligned to one of the United Nations' Global Development Goals.
We recently asked Annabelle about her experience as a participant in 2025.
What is the Youth Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program, and what has it involved for you?
The Youth Governor's Leadership Foundation Program, otherwise known as YGLF, is a program based on teaching young leaders about what it means to teach and what it means to be a leader of today. We have learnt about who we are, when to lead and when to follow. We have learnt how to run meetings, when to step back, and have focused on how to improve or be more productive or less stressed through games, activities and workshops.
The program allowed us to understand why we want to lead and to understand who we lead, otherwise there is no connection between you and your peers.
One Wednesday every month, as a group, all 19 students from around SA would go to the University of South Australia to have workshops on leadership. We would learn different topics on leadership, how to get a message across, presenting ... and how to implement our leadership frameworks into action. Our project was to go to younger Primary School students and educate them about gender equality and how important it is today.
So, that's exactly what we did, we reached out to primary schools, focusing on the future generations, and sent out surveys to find out what they already know. We then made a presentation and an interactive workshop, going to four different Primary Schools around Adelaide.
To finish off the program, we had a graduation on Tuesday 21 October. This included us sharing about our journeys, what we have learnt and what we have overcome throughout the year. Our groups had the pleasure to present to family, friends, sponsors of the program, the Governor and many more people.
How did you become involved in the program in 2025?
I became involved in the program through a Year 11, Claire (11RAMO), who did the program last year and then spoke to my year level. Claire spoke so well, and I was really inspired by her confidence to lead. So, I decided to apply to the program, and I got in.
What did you and your peers involved in the program hope to achieve through your work?
Before the program, we had to apply and choose two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which then later turned into our action groups. From there, I was assigned with three other girls to learn more about gender equality and reduced inequities.
We mainly focused on gender equality and from there we found how we wanted to make a change in our community. We came up with our vision and mission of the world we want to see and what we want to achieve.
As a group we decided that we didn’t want to only raise awareness but take action, by going to the next generation and making sure that they truly understand the importance of gender equality and that when they grow up nothing should stop them from reaching their full potential.
What are the top one or two things you have you have learnt or valued most from your involvement in the program (key takeaways)?
I have learnt to look at different perspectives. If you want to make change you must look at the positives and negatives, considering all angles. For example, it is not just girls being impacted by gender distribution, but it is also other genders.
Through the YGLF, I have learnt to be open about others' ideas and not only take them into thought but take the jump and take them into action.
Lastly, another key takeaway would be communication. Communication is all about staying in contact, making sure everyone around understands the circumstances and it isn’t just about talking at someone, it’s talking with them. Sometimes the best way to communicate is to listen, letting someone else take control so that you can hear what they have to say. ‘Always keep on communicating so that you can keep on growing.’
What advice would you give to students aspiring to become involved in leadership opportunities or student advocacy?
Take the chance. When you take a risk, you are showing your vulnerability but also your brave heart. It is ok to fall or make a mistake, but it is all about getting back up. Take all the opportunities that are given to you because you are blessed to have a life where such amazing opportunities are given.
Well done, Annabelle, on your involvement in this important leadership development program. We trust the skills you have learnt will be of benefit to you and a blessing to those you lead in the years to come.
