Grant High School Year 11 student and current vice captain Akifah Chaus has been selected as a 2025 South Australian Rural Youth Ambassador.
The Rural Youth Ambassador (RYA) program, an initiative of the Area Schools Network supported by the Department for Education, has been running in South Australia since 2022.
Developed in collaboration with the SACE Board, the program allows participants to earn credit for their involvement while empowering young leaders from regional areas to advocate for change, influence policy, and contribute to the advancement of rural communities.
As an Ambassador, Akifah will represent the voices of her peers, championing issues that matter to young people in country towns across South Australia.
A committed leader at Grant High School, Akifah is already an active member of the SLED (student-led) representative group.
Inspired by the efforts of previous Ambassadors and peers Milla Prowse and Zoey Norman, she saw firsthand the positive change young leaders can bring to their school and local area.
“I saw how much of an impact they made and wanted to follow in their footsteps,” she said.
Akifah is particularly passionate about addressing the teacher shortages in rural communities, a challenge that can lead to reduced subject offerings and limited educational opportunities for students.
She also plans to focus on promoting rural lifestyles through youth-led initiatives and advocating for stronger mental health and wellbeing programs.
Growing up in a close-knit rural community has shaped Akifah’s values and aspirations.
“I’m really grateful to live in such a diverse and supportive community where people are always willing to help each other out,” she said.
Through her time as an Ambassador, Akifah hopes to further develop her leadership skills while giving back to the community that has supported her.
Her advice to other young people from rural areas: “Believe in yourself and in your community, and get your voice out there.
People want to listen to the difference you want to make.”
Looking ahead, Akifah aspires to pursue a medical career and is working toward her goal of graduating from medical school within the next five years.
Grant High School Community Leader Sarah McCarthy praised Akifah’s selection.
“We are incredibly proud of Akifah and the passion, leadership, and dedication she brings to every opportunity,” she said.
“She is a role model for her peers and a shining example of the values we uphold at Grant High School.”
