17 Sep Young Voices, Culture, and Courage
How the 2026 Youth Ambassador Showcases kicked off!
Hundreds of young people across Adelaide’s northern suburbs are coming together to celebrate their roots, raise their voices and champion dignity while they transform educational spaces into safer, more inclusive places.
The showcases taking place throughout September feature cultural fashion parades, traditional dance and music, speeches, spoken-word poetry, short films, guest artist performances and multicultural food tastings. Each element is shaped and led by students in the Australian Refugee Association’s (ARA) Youth Ambassador Program. These celebrations have been running for more than a decade at some partner school and have become a valued part of school tradition.
In recent weeks, Salisbury East High School’s Youth Ambassadors, alongside teacher and program lead Sarah Pour, opened the season with a powerful showcase celebrating culture, belonging and youth voice. More than a performance, it was a bold display of the courage it takes to speak up and lead.
Guests praised the performances and heartfelt speeches throughout the day. In one address, a Youth Ambassador shared:
“Skin colour does not make anyone less than another. Think about your actions and words: if you wouldn’t do or say them in front of the principal or your parents, don’t do them to someone else. It’s time to recognise that racism is simply not okay.”
The program is made possible through the commitment of mentors and school communities who support students to step into leadership. A member of ARA’s Youth Engagement Team shared:
“Being a young mentor means using your voice and showing what young people can contribute. Never hide your culture, accent or story – they are your strength, and you belong here.” (Loviness Kalialaha, Pacific Islands Project Officer & Youth Activities Coordinator)
Seeing students take ownership of these celebrations is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are trusted to lead.
ARA turns that sense of belonging into action, creating opportunities for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to become leaders, volunteers and active members of their communities. Delivered throughout the school year, the Youth Ambassador Program is run in partnership with ARA and generously supported by the Department of Home Affairs, the Milner Road Foundation and generous donors. It helps students build skills in leadership, public speaking, event planning, and cross-cultural communication.
We acknowledge and congratulate the teachers and Youth Ambassadors who made this showcase possible. We also thank Mark Oliphant College and Salisbury High School (SHS) for supporting their students to take part in the event.
And the momentum doesn’t stop here. Throughout September, our partner schools will continue bringing culture, connection and youth voice to life, including Craigmore High School, Playford International College, Parafield Gardens High School, Kildare College and St Aloysius College.
Because when we empower young people to share their stories, we build a stronger, more inclusive community for all of us.
