All aboard for 12 young Aussies

 The search for twelve motivated and enthusiastic young people to represent Australia on the fifteenth Ship for World Youth program was launched today by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony.

“We are looking for eleven young Australians aged from 18 to 30 and one national leader aged from 30 to 35 to join young people from thirteen countries on the ship.

“The Ship for World Youth is a unique international cultural exchange program organised by the Japanese Government. It brings together over 250 young people from around the world to learn about international cooperation and understanding.

“The young people will take part in a two-month voyage where they will be involved in activities that will foster cultural sensitivity, understanding and friendship.

“Participants will attend the World Youth Meeting to be held in Singapore where they will have the chance to meet with youth from The Ship for South East Asian Youth Program and discuss issues of global importance to young people.

“This program offers excellent development opportunities for the future leaders of our communities and I would encourage any young person actively involved in their community to apply.”

Mr Anthony said the Australians would be joined by representatives from Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Mexico, New Zealand, Sir Lanka, Tonga, United States of America and Venezuela.

Applications will be open for the national leader position until Friday 5 July 2002 and for the eleven delegate positions until Wednesday 17 July 2002.

Further information and an application package are available on the web page or by calling (toll free) 1800 624 309.