Global Education Program

The Global Education Program (GEP) provides senior school students (aged 15-18) from around Australia and the world who are identified as future leaders with the opportunity to engage with issues of injustice and effectively contribute to their communities.

Each year we host a residency in Kenya with selected students where they experience development work firsthand alongside local leaders in a variety of settings including schools, health clinics, athletic centres, the United Nations, Australian High Commission and local communities. The program also includes training, cultural awareness, effective service opportunities and ongoing mentoring both within Australia and overseas.

 

Residency Objectives

01.

Engage with global issues of injustice and poverty

02.

Develop leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding

03.

Form meaningful relationships with peers and organisations from around the world

04.

Explore effective strategies to create social impact

Key Dates

May 2019

Nominations and applications open

August 2019

Information evenings for students, parents and educators

30 November 2019

Nominations close

31 January 2020

Applications close 11:59PM WST

February 2020

Selection and notification of successful applicants

5 - 19 July 2020

Residency in Kenya

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Applicants must be aged 15-18 at time of application 
  • Applicants should be able to prove they have a heart for others, especially the marginalised
  • Applicant should be able to demonstrate prior service and community involvement
  • Applicants should be able to provide evidence of leadership
  • Applicants should be able to state what they hope to do to impact their community by addressing an issue of injustice

Cost 

Australian students: $4,500 AUD

Cost includes program orientation and preparation, training, overseas residency – flights, accommodation, food, transfers/transport, insurance and all activities.

International students: $2,500 AUD

Please note international students are responsible for arranging flights and insurance for the residency in Kenya. All on ground expenses during the residency are included in the program cost.

Bursaries to cover the program cost are available for students in developing nations. Please contact us to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the residency?

The residency is for a period of 2 weeks excluding travel time.

What makes the program unique?

The opportunity to link with amazing leaders who are transforming their communities and spend time with students from other schools and countries around the world. Students will make friends for life.

What kind of accommodation will we be staying in?

The team will spend time at Cornerstone Ndeiya Valley House, a partner project and social enterprise located on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Click here for more information.

How safe will this residency trip be?

Comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation plans are carried out for the residency. We accesss up-to-date information provided through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, affiliated organisations, as well as our local partners on the ground. As a precaution and where appropriate, private security is arranged during the residency.

Is this a volunteer trip?

No. The purpose of the residency is to listen and learn from experts on the ground and build relationships through activities, sport and other meaningful exchanges. We take a very conservative approach to volunteering as it usually disempowers local communities. 

Is there an orientation?

Yes. We do in-country orientation as well as an orientation in Kenya when the team arrives. 

What kind of applicants are you looking for?

We are looking for students who are passionate about creating change and having a positive impact on the world. You don’t need to be the smartest or most popular but you do need to have a heart to make a difference, a willingness to learn and a commitment to act.

How many are selected?

A group of up to 50 students from Australia and worldwide will be selected. 

Where do i get a parent/guardian consent form?

Download a Parent Consent Form now!

How do I apply?

You can get started here now! We can’t wait to meet you.

Reviews

The encouragement of leadership, a focus on social justice and the investment in the students as impacting global citizens exceeds the trip itself!
Tracey Holmes

Principal, Mandurah Baptist College

Initiate Australia provides an opportunity for our leaving students to engage with like-minded individuals from all over Australia. They are challenged and extended as they leave the relative safety of school and before entering the next phase of their life. The way Initiate then continue to engage and support them ensures their ongoing development and we feel fortunate to have our alumni a part of such a program.
David Kyle

Director of Service and Citizenship, Scotch College

The Initiate Global Education Program is an intrisically valuable program that I trust will provide the opportunity for students to develop their sense of social justice and leadership capabilities. It is a bonus that it will also contribute toward the WACE.
Leanne Meldrum

School Curriculum and Standards Authority

I strongly endorse the program and its vision, to educate and empower secondary students from diverse backgrounds, engaging in meaningful relationships both locally and globally in addressing social justice issues.
Greg Wood

Australian Sports Commision

CONTACT DETAILS

info@initiate.org.au

 

OFFICE LOCATION

Purpose Studio

L3 256 Adelaide Terrace

Perth WA 6000