Representing New Zealand at the 33Sixty Commonwealth Young Leaders Programme , Glasgow, 2016

I am very interested in attending the 33Sixty Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme as I believe the challenge that will be analysed is pertinent, not only for myself but for New Zealand. The challenge for 2016 is “ How do we create a step change in the way the private, public and not-for-profit sectors work together”. I am currently working part time for a not-for-profit organisation by the name of People First (the New Zealand division). People First New Zealand is a self-advocacy organisation that is led and directed by people with a learning (intellectual) disability, and is part of an international movement fighting for the rights and inclusion of all people with learning disabilities. Through my employment and studies, I have witnessed first-hand the crippling effects of the inability of both the public and not-for-profit sector working together to address critical issues in society. I believe the 33Sixty leadership programme will enable me to further explore the relationships between the three sectors and attain invaluable knowledge that will allow me to contribute to class discussion during lectures and or tutorials. I can also implement the knowledge and experience in my future career. Furthermore, the leadership programme will empower me to continue to make a difference in my community and wider society. I can directly apply my knowledge and experience from the 33Sixty Programme within my role as the stakeholder and liaison executive for the AUT African Students Club as well as other community engagements I am involved in.