News & Events

A Year 12 student from St Joseph’s School Port Lincoln has represented Catholic Education SA and St Josephs at Teen Parliament 2022, held in the House of Assembly at state parliament.

India Ciura was among 9 students from 8 Catholic schools across SA who joined the initiative of The Advertiser, created to ensure the views of young South Australians were heard ahead of the recent state election.

For her impressive contribution, India was awarded a $10,000 education scholarship to take a step ahead in her career thanks to the generous support of state business leaders and the Advertiser Foundation.

24 young leaders from across the state were given the opportunity to share their bold ideas for enhancing the future of South Australia.

The students as young as 14 tabled new ideas to supercharge the economy, lift education, empower women and create a more inclusive society.

India spoke passionately about the need for better mental health services for young people, after seeing her 15-year-old sister, who suffers from anxiety and OCD, get rejected from multiple mental health clinics for failing to meet criteria.

She aims to study psychology at Adelaide University and return to practice in Port Lincoln.

“This scholarship is huge because I had thought I’d have to spend a gap year working to save money for Uni but now I’ll be able to start next year,” she said.

“I want to come back to work as a psychologist in Port Lincoln to help those kids like my little sister who aren’t able to receive support.”

India only made it to Adelaide on the day of the Teen Parliament thanks to an incredibly kind and beautiful act from a Port Lincoln local.

Flights were supposed to be booked on India’s behalf, however when India arrived there was no ticket for her, and the flight was fully booked. When hearing of India’s dilemma, a local lady generously volunteered to give India her seat on the plane so that she could make it to Adelaide in time for the start of the Parliament session.

The Teen Parliament was supported by Speaker Dan Cregan who said the students’ ideas “are vital to the future of our state”.

“I know many existing MPs will be listening closely,” he said.

Advertiser Foundation executive director Alexandra Dimos said the enthusiasm of the teens was wonderful.

“They really care about SA,” she said.

“Hearing from them affirmed that we’re doing the right thing investing in SA’s future.”

Congratulations to all teen parliamentarians from Catholic schools across South Australia.

You can watch the full recording of the Teen Parliament here: https://fb.watch/bBhrgTg4-a/.