Students from St John the Evangelist High School were the first youths to take part in the Sonder Youth Schools Program.

Approximately 40 students, over the next month, from years 8-10 will participate in the ‘Changemaking Sequence’ - a series of interactive workshops which train young people in the power of perspective, purpose and positivity.

The Sonder Youth Schools Program was developed by Avalon Bourne, a 23-year-old Nowra resident.

Ms Bourne said the first workshop went well.

“We got into some great discussions about mindset and how we can train our mind look beyond the barriers of difference and negativity to naturally search for the positive in our environment,” she said.

“I was so impressed to see such young students bravely share some very sensitive and personal stories with each other in the session.

“This was the first of a series of three workshops in which the students will learn all about creating positive change.

“The first workshop was crucial to the sequence as it fosters the necessary mindset to push beyond barriers and search for our similarities as individuals in order to stand together and create the positive changes the world needs to see.

“A lot of our discussions were identifying that there is ultimately more that unites us than separates us.”

Ms Bourne wanted to create an accessible and relatable program for young people in a rural area, one that would spark important, big-picture, conversations amongst young people.

Her aim is to have Sonder Youth introduced to every school in the Shoalhaven.

“Having grown up in the Shoalhaven I am passionate about bringing the kinds of opportunities afforded to young people in more urban areas to those in the Shoalhaven,” she said.

“Nobody should have to wait until they are 18 or in a more accessible area to learn about their role in the world and their ability to make a difference.”

Sonder Youth offers eight interactive workshops which cover personal topics concerning positive mental health practices and leading a positive life, to global topics including change making and global citizenship.

These workshops are presented by local young people building a network of supportive and inspiring young people in the area.

Ms Bourne said Sonder Youth was sparked when she heard from countless young people who consider themselves impervious to the issues they heard about on the news.

“I want every young person to know this - we not only have the ability but the responsibility to make this world a better place,” she said.

“No matter who you are, where you are, or least of all how old you are, we all have the power to make a change.”