Jessica Porter to use Youth Week ambassador platform for education advocacy

The NT’s youth week ambassadors have been revealed. Education access, inclusivity, and engagement are high on their goals for the year.

Jessica Porter’s full circle moment during her vocational studies ignited her passion for education and prompted her to take on an ambassador role for other young Territorians.

“I want to make sure that everyone has equal access to education systems rigorous enough to actually give the people skills for after they leave school, but also have that chance to access learning after school to upskill themselves as well,” she said.

Ms Porter said she enrolled in vocational education immediately after finishing school.

“It’s opened so many doors for me – I did a certificate three in business... then jumped straight into a diploma of leadership and management which I just finished in December,” she said.

“I’ve jumped straight into the training and assessment qualification, so I’m working towards becoming a qualified trainer.”

Jessica Porter is an ambassador for NT Youth Week 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Porter is one of seven youth ambassadors selected to represent the Territory’s young people ahead of Youth Week 2024.

Alongside her peers from Palmerston, Darwin, Alice Springs, East Arnhem, and Maningrida, she will promote activities for the week and encourage young Territorians to engage in the week’s events.

Though this year’s activities have yet to be revealed, Youth Week 2023 activities included dance, make-up or DJ workshops, disco nights, and roller skating as well as leadership programs and wellbeing workshops.

Youth, Seniors and Equality Minister Ngaree Ah Kit announces seven new ambassadors for NT Youth Week 2024. She stands beside ambassadors Amber-Jade Shepherd and Jessica Porter. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Youth, Seniors, and Equality Minister Ngaree Ah Kit she was proud to see this year’s ambassadors step into their roles.

“They exemplify all of the qualities that we want to see in our future leaders,” she said.

“Our Government is always working to engage young people in positive activities, prepare them as leaders of the future and provide them with opportunities to thrive and grow.”

Youth Week is held in April in the Northern Territory.