Reaching out to make a difference
by Linda Hein
Final year human resource management student, Briony James is taking
her passion for making a difference to a new level.
The 23-year-old has just returned from Nuang Kyo Met School in Mae Sot, Thailand where she worked at an orphanage with underprivileged children, and says that while the experience was challenging and exhausting, its just one of the ways she hopes to make a real contribution.
"I felt I needed to make a significant contribution if I was going to travel overseas rather than to simply be a tourist," she said.
"When I started the Global Experience Program I found an email link for Involvement Volunteers Australia and knew that this would be an opportunity to contribute and immerse myself in an entirely new culture.
"The kids were fantastic! They were always happy and smiling, even though they live in a shack and have no possessions or families to support them.
James also founded the first UniSA based Amnesty International group earlier this year after being an Amnesty International volunteer herself to make it easier for other students to get involved.
"As a Uni group we’re able to discuss and decide upon campaigns that matter to us, and how we approach those campaigns - from on campus events to letter writing," she said.
Coordinator of the Global Experience professional development course, Dr Tracey Bretag, says she is impressed to find such enthusiasm in many of the program’s students.
"The Global Experience Program has uncovered a wealth of passion and determination in the students," she said.
"One student is part of the Oaktree Foundation raising money for the fight against HIV/AIDS; one is organising a community social group for French language enthusiasts and another is a member of UniSA’s AIESEC for the development of global youth leadership and potential.
"Such great stories are a wonderful inspiration."
And while all these students can count their community activity toward their degree, for James just being part of such work is reward enough.
"For me it’s all about contributing in a way that doesn’t directly benefit me but helps to fight for and improve human rights worldwide."