The wheels are in motion for the establishment of a new Youth Voice in the NT, with over 30 middle and secondary students meeting last week to guide the development of this group.
Students from Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Nhulunbuy participated in a collaborative workshop facilitated by Adam Drake from Balanced Choice and Summer Howarth from Eventful Learning Co, where they shared thoughts and ideas with Department of Education staff about what the functions and purpose of such a group should or could be.
The voices and feedback from the workshop will inform the purpose, structure, and processes of a new Youth Voice Peak Group, which will guide government decision-making and help shape how the department develops and adopts programs and policy that impacts young people.
The establishment of a youth voice group is a key action of the Education Engagement Strategy , identifying the importance of partnering with young people on matters that impact them and ensuring they have a voice in government decision-making.
Department of Education Chief Executive, Karen Weston said the day was an important first step in establishing a new youth voice entity to advise the department as an action of the Education Engagement Strategy.
“Young people were instrumental in the development of our NT Education Engagement Strategy and it was fantastic to see students and department staff come together this week to co-design our new Youth Voice ” she said.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to contribute to policies and programs that affect them and ensures their voice is represented in decision-making processes.”
The new entity will be an important mechanism to gain student voices on matters of government policy development and program delivery, to influence future education, employment, health and wellbeing outcomes for young Territorians.
Recommendations made on the day and another workshop later in the year will help to progress establishment of the group.
Image: Youth Voice Group workshop participants.
