CALD consultation peer leaders come together

Eleven peer leaders for the Commissioner’s consultation with children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds met for the second time over the weekend to progress their plan to consult with children and young people.

Working with staff from the Youth Affairs Council of WA (YACWA) and the Commissioner’s office, the leaders developed and discussed survey protocols, practised their skills and finalised the survey tool. The consultation is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

These young people, aged 18 to 25 years old, will act as consultation leaders and talk with a broad range of children and young people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds about the positive things in their lives, the challenges they face and the services they find helpful, including education and employment, and support for their family.

The peer leaders themselves represent a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, including Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Eritrea, Uganda, Myanmar, Rwanda and Malaysia.

Acting Commissioner Jenni Perkins said the consultation will assist in gaining valuable information about the issues affecting CALD children and young people.

“It is incredibly important that all children and young people are heard, particularly those who are vulnerable,” Ms Perkins said.

“The Commissioner’s office will analyse the views gathered through the consultation and develop a report to promote the voices of this important group of children and young people, with the hope that it will directly influence relevant policies and services in WA.”

More information about the consultation is available via the project’s webpage.