Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2015

/ 22

INTERNATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS FORUM

AUTHORS Linnea Cain (11W) and Emma van Baarle (11M)

EACH YEAR, SCHOOLS FROM CHINA, SOUTH KOREA, INDONESIA, SINGAPORE AND AUSTRALIA TAKE TURNS IN HOSTING THE INTERNATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS FORUM (IYLF). This one week forum offers an opportunity for secondary school students to discuss relevant global issues prominent throughout the world. In November 2014, eight Year 10 Brisbane Girls Grammar School students were selected to participate in the 2014 IYLF, hosted by Suzhou Foreign Language School in Suzhou, China. The delegates were Isabella Busby (11M), Linnea Cain (11W), Rosie Cavdarski (11W), Michaela George (11E), Phoebe Gibson-Dougall (11R), Chanelle Ren (11O), Stephanie van der Jagt (11B) and Emma van Baarle (11M). At the beginning of the week we were separated into eight groups which consisted of a student from each school. Each group was assigned one of four topics relating to conflict and co-existence and we were asked to

research and collect data through observing Suzhou and subsequently comparing our own individual situations at home. The four topics were transport, environment, culture and education. Using the information gathered through various cultural presentations and city tours, we each presented realistic improvements and solutions to the problems that had arisen in our selected topics. At the closing ceremony and final presentations of the forum, Chanelle and Stephanie were selected amongst the Best Presenters, and Michaela was awarded Best Leader in her team. Overall Girls Grammar received the award for Best Leading Team. During the development of the presentations and while working with the international delegates, we recognised our cultural differences and how significantly these impacted on our different views and opinions. IYLF opened our eyes and gave us a better understanding of how to deliver our personal views in discussions in a respectful and worldly manner. Despite the short time period, the connections we made and the skills we gained throughout the forum will definitely be useful in any field we decide to pursue. To experience a conference on an international level, at this age, was an unforgettable opportunity that we all found rewarding and incredibly enjoyable.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE