Five Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Senior Boarders were selected to participate in the Queensland ABSA Boarding Leaders Forum, held in Townsville during National Boarding Week (11 – 17 May).
Zion Guligo (Yr 11) Jake Mooka (Yr 11) Marie Ahmat (Yr 11), Josephine David (Yr 11) and Salome David Yr 11) were the first Torres Strait Kaziw Meta cohort to attend the event and network with other boarders from across the state.
Highlights included keynote addresses from Dolphins NRL Captain Tom Gilbert and Queensland Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills.
Marie said she liked the experience of seeing kids from other boarding schools and hearing their point of view on leadership.
“I learnt leadership skills and enjoyed the presentations,” Marie said.
Josephine also enjoyed meeting other boarders and hearing about how they operate their boarding life
“I learnt different points of view on leadership, and what leadership means to them,” Josephine said.
“I enjoyed meeting others from St Pats and Cowboys House,” Salome said.
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta CEO Thomas Dunsmore said the forum was an important opportunity to empower young Torres Strait Islander voices and nurture their leadership qualities.
“Supporting our boarders to develop confidence and leadership skills is a key priority. Attending this forum has shown our Boarders what’s possible and reminded them they belong in every room where decisions are made,” Mr Dunsmore said.
“We appreciate NRL Cowboys House and TecNQ for their generous hospitality,”
“This experience was a powerful step in nurturing the next generation of Torres Strait Islander leaders,”
The QLD ABSA Boarding Leaders Forum was hosted by TecNQ, livestreamed across Queensland and gathered Boarders from Charters Towers, Townsville and Waiben for a night of connection, storytelling, and shared aspirations.
