All new Clean Up Australia Youth Ambassadors 2019
“Children are our most valuable resource”. That quote is from Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States.
I reckon he’s pretty spot on. Considering his time in office was between 1929-1933, and political correctness wasn’t really a thing, this famous quote suggests he was very forward thinking. Whatever you think of Hoover and his time as President (if I’m being honest, my knowledge of US Presidential history isn’t great), you can’t argue that he was certainly right about this. Children ARE the most valuable resource we have.
“Kids deserve the right to think that they can change the world”. This one is from Lois Lowry, an American children’s author.
I think this quote is so important. A child’s ability to dream can drive them to achieve the highest success in whatever path they take. No matter what background children are from – race, religion or wealth – their imagination and creativity can promote a positive future for themselves and the people around them.
“Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is”. Any guesses who said this? Well, it was your favourite Star Wars character, Yoda.
He was an advocate for young people in the films, and certainly backed a young Anakin Skywalker against the dark side (although unfortunately we know how it turns out in the end).
Children can think outside the box, thinking of weird and wonderful ways to express themselves. When this mindset is used for issues we have in the world, their ideas may be simple, and granted, not always accessible, but many can be used as a starting block to develop into something which genuinely could spark an amazing enterprise.
At Clean Up Australia, we’ve recognised the importance of how powerful young people are. All you need to do is look at how many Youth Groups and Schools get involved with Clean Up Australia Day each year. Of course, credit goes to the teachers and organisation leaders for creating these Clean Ups, but it’s the work of the volunteers (the students and children) who really make the difference. It’s worth noting that everybody who is involved with a Clean Up makes a significant positive environmental impact, and young people are no different.
We’ve identified some young people who are doing really great things for the environment. Whether that be designing clothing which is made of all-natural resources, or campaigning for the ban of single-use plastic bags - they are inspiring not only other children, but adults too. They should receive great credit for the work they have done and continue to do. Therefore, Clean Up Australia would like to introduce to you brand new Youth Ambassadors for 2019.
They are;
Click on the names of our Youth Ambassadors to see the great initiatives they have created over 2018.
To see our other blogs, click HERE.
Oliver Emanuel
Youth Project Officer
