Earlier this year St James’ Anglican School congratulated Year 10 students Mali Burns, Isabella Canham and Billy Jones who were selected to represent St James’ as Anglicare Ambassadors for 2019. The Anglicare Ambassadors program connects students from schools around WA and gives them the opportunity to engage in social justice, educate them about social disadvantage and empower them to make a difference.

Mali, Isabella and Billy will be ambassadors for a year and will be involved in raising awareness and funds around youth homelessness. On Wednesday 20 February Mali, the St James’ students joined all ambassadors at the Anglicare WA School Ambassadors program launch. Student leaders from sixteen different Anglican schools were presented with their badges and listened to various presenters discuss how we can work together to make a difference.

We sat down with our Ambassadors to ask them some of the reasons they are so passionate about this program.

What made you first want to be an Anglicare Ambassador?

Isabella – Helping others whenever I can gives me a great sense of fulfilment and achievement, and an area I wish to pursue in my future career.

Mali – A few years back my cousin and aunt were homeless. What they went through was horrible and I do not wish that upon anyone. If I can make a difference I will.

Billy – I applied because I’m a good and helpful person, and the world needs more people like that.

What are you most looking forward to about being an Ambassador?

Isabella – I’m most looking forward to working with Billy, Mali and all the other ambassadors to help raise awareness of these issues.

Mali – I am most looking forward to helping people get their life back on track and help assist them in the best way I can. I may not know who I’ve helped but I at least know someone who was sleeping on a cold floor with only the clothes on their back, may now be safe and happy in a shelter. 

Billy – I am most looking forward to helping people.

What piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to be an Ambassador?

Isabella – Go for it because you can help so many people and if it something you would like to do when you leave school you’ve already got an idea of what it’s about.

Mali – Just go for it! This is a once in a life chance. It is going to be such an amazing experience knowing you have helped someone less fortunate than you.

Billy – Be good to people and be good to yourself, only then will you be happy.