Inaugural Graduation Held for Young Emerging African Leaders at Yeronga State High School

Yeronga State High School recently hosted the inaugural Young Emerging African Leaders (YEAL) graduation. YEAL is a joint project between the school, Queensland Police Service, AFL Queensland, and the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (R.A.I.L.S).

The inaugural six-week program saw young women from various African nations taking part in team-building, knowledge sharing, peer mentoring, and sports participation.

“We are very proud of our Young Emerging African Leaders (YEAL). They’ve participated in a range of activities and learning experiences designed to promote positive sense of self-worth, increase self-confidence, increase knowledge of personal safety and gain the skills to make good decisions leading to a brighter future. Our students have done really well in the YEAL program and they’ve graduated with flying colours!” – Yeronga State High School

“It takes strong leaders to keep our communities united,” Chief Superintendent Brian Swan said whilst acknowledging the active involvement of the school and the pilot program participants.

“It is through a united community that we can work together to keep our communities safe.”

Highlights of the ceremony included an interactive reflection and slideshow presented  by Robert Lachowicz and Blane Mehari from RAILS. 

“We were so impressed by the confidence of the students involved and we applaud their passion for being involved” Blane Mehari said.

Queensland AFL’s Multicultural and Indigenous Engagement Officer – Darren Allie said that the YEAL program provided them an opportunity to learn a lot from the students about their respective cultures.

“We as an organisation appreciate the support of the Queensland Police in delivering this program and we look forward to more future initiatives that bring our diverse communities together,” Mr Allie said.

For his part, Principal of Yeronga State High School, Bob Logan expressed how he was  “immensely proud of his students and expects big things to happen to these young emerging leaders.”

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