Alocal young leader with a passion for diplomacy and global affairs has received the support of Grant District Council to represent Australia in Europe next year.
Grant High School student Milla Prowse has been seeking financial sponsorship from the wider community to help fund her month-long educational journey.
The 17-year-old is one of 16 young people from across Australia selected to participate in the prestigious UN Youth Australia Young Delegates Tour.
“This tour will allow me to explore the evolution of diplomacy, from its historical roots to its contemporary forms,” Milla said.
Milla’s passion for diplomacy and global affairs has led her to being selected to participate in what she has described as an exciting opportunity for a young female leader living in regional South Australia.
“I have a deep-rooted passion for social change and politics, history and social sciences,” Milla said.
“Something that has been cemented with my participation in programs such as the YMCA’s Youth Parliament, representing SA as a rural ambassador, as well as being Grant High School vice-captain and participating in schoolwide debates.
“This tour will take me to some of the world’s most significant historical and political centres.”
Milla’s proposed itinerary includes stops at Krakow in Poland, Berlin (Germany), The Hague (The Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium), Paris (France), Belfast (Northern Ireland) and London (United Kingdom).
The tour presents Milla with an inspired outlook on her future.
“I believe this tour will enhance my understanding of global diplomacy and inspire me to become a leader in my regional community and beyond,” she said.
To earn her place on the tour Milla went through a three-stage application process.
“I worked incredibly hard to earn my place … that required in-depth and well thoughtout answers to questions relating to both myself, politics and other international relations, both written and spoken,” she said.
Milla has developed a website that goes into details and depth about the application process and what the tour entails.
To make her dream a reality, Milla is seeking financial support to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, travel insurance, meals, entrance fees and other related costs.
“I believe this is a unique opportunity to invest in the future of our youth. It gives me a great sense of pride to represent my community,” she said.
“I can assure that I am committed to making a positive impact in the world.”
Young Diplomats Tour convenor Megan Hince has put her support behind Milla.
“Milla has taken part in an extremely competitive selection process to be able to attend the tour and will benefit from this trip immensely,” Ms Hince said.
“This trip provides Milla with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet with key diplomats and international agency workers, which she would be unable to experience without attending the tour.
“This trip will hone her curiosity and critical thinking skills as she will need to determine the best ways to engage with high-ranking individuals in international politics.”
At council’s October monthly meeting elected members were presented with a sponsorship request from Milla.
Corporate and Community director Gary Button tabled a recommendation that council consider $1000 sponsorship.
“In terms of council’s Community Funding and Support Policy, one-off requests for funding of up to $1000 can be approved by council staff with delegated authority and funding of over $1000 require approval from the elected council,” Mr Button said.
All elected members in attendance at the meeting voted in favour to approve $1000 to assist Milla.
Visit GoFundMe www.gofundme.com/f/millas-un-young-diplomats-tour or her website at www.sites.google.com/view/millaprowse/about-milla to sponsor Milla on her journey.
