School’s pride of place

A group of Emerald Secondary College students are promoting equality and inclusiveness, as part of their participation in the competition, Future Problem Solving Australia.
The organisation brings together more than 140 schools nationwide to try to solve the issues that the next generation believes are the world’s greatest.
Future Problem Solving is an international educational program for students of all ages, focusing on the development of critical, creative and futuristic thinking skills.
The program challenges students to apply their minds to some of the significant issues facing the world of today and the future.
Principal Jodie Doble said she was incredibly proud of the young group, comprising Year 8 and 9 students, who are working hard to launch a concept they’ve called P.R.I.D.E.
Through this initiative, the group is trying to better the community by making others feel happy, healthy and safe.
Group member Jessica Tilson, 14, said they wanted to promote an inclusive community.
“Our version of P.R.I.D.E is not just about gender and gender identity … we are promoting an inclusive community no matter race, age, gender, ethnicity, disability or mental health issues,” she said.
Fellow group member Daisy added, “We are creating a community for everyone, without judgement or stigma”.
The students have drawn upon new research that suggests people suffering from mental health problems do not seek help due to stigma.
They believe their campaign is one way to address this problem.
The P.R.I.D.E team recently helped to spread the word through a parent and community information evening on Tuesday 16 May.