The students, for the past few weeks, have been busy working on the One Million Stars to End Violence project.

Over 300 of the paper stars they made are are on display in and around Nowra’s Commonwealth Bank.

When community members look at the bright and beautiful stars they learn about an important project.

The project encourages people to start a conversation about ending all forms of violence.

Students Keona Cornish and Claire Carter say taking part in the project is important because violence is not acceptable.

“It’s horrible (violence) and it should be stopped,” Claire said.

Keona agreed with Claire’s statement and added it important all sections of the community did something to stop violence.

Support for the project came from the YWCA and the Commonwealth Bank.

YWCA Head of Programs NSW Shannon Wright was in Nowra to help officially launch this important program.

“Each woven star here and downstairs, and there is a huge amount downstairs which are absolutely gorgeous, represents light hope, courage and solidarity to end all form of violence in our world,” she said.

“We have challenged organisations and individuals to make stars as a statement against violence.

“The project has been a focus of our youth programs recently and is a way to engage young people in a conversation about ending violence.

“The fight against violence is something we take very seriously and it close to our hearts.”

She thanked all the participants for helping to put together a beautiful and important display.

The stars will help weave one million stars for an installation during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games as part of the arts and cultural program.

YWCA incorporated star weaving into its Y-Quest, Y-B.R.A.V.E. and Links to Learning programs, as a way to engage young people in a conversation about violence.

Y-Quest is about empowering young women to build resilience and confidence.