The first meeting of the Youth Voice Peak Group has been held in Darwin today, which aims to positively impact future education, employment, and health and wellbeing outcomes for all young Territorians.
16 students have been selected from across the Territory take part in the program, which enables them to have the opportunity to influence policy development and program delivery to the Department of Education.
By providing a student voice, the group will help guide the department and schools in the development of teaching and learning that is meaningful and relevant for students of today.
Students from a wide range of areas including Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Darwin are taking part in the two day program.
Their reasons for participating in the program vary, but include improving student engagement in the class room, school safety and ensuring supportive job opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Youth Voice Peak Group will meet 4 times in 2023, and is a key deliverable of the Education NT Engagement Strategy 2021 – 2031.
Quotes from Minister for Education, Eva Lawler:
“As an educator, I understand the value of students having input into their education, and I commend these students for their contribution to this exciting new program.
When our students are able to have a say in and shape their education, they are actively engaged in learning that builds their capacity to take action.
The participation and honesty over the next twelve months from the Youth Voice Peak Group will help shape how the department develops and adopts programs and policy which impact on other young people in our education system.
Quotes from Department of Education Chief Executive, Karen Weston:
“I have been working in education for just under 30 years and I have seen some amazing examples of the positive impact that education has had on young people and I am sure the Youth Voice Peak Group will provide a valuable platform to help grow our future leaders in the NT.
I look forward to getting to know the Youth Voice Peak Group over the year, as we work together to create meaningful pathways in the development of policy and programs that are meaningful and relevant to our students.”
Northern Territory Government
