Thirteen St James College students from Years 10 and 11 stepped beyond the classroom this week and will continue into next week’s school holidays to take part in the Edmund Rice Global Youth Leadership Program 2025, hosted by Ambrose Treacy College.

The week-long initiative brings together young leaders from Edmund Rice schools across South Africa, India, Uruguay, and Australia. Through spiritual reflection, cultural exchange, and service-learning experiences, students are building deep intercultural connections and developing the skills to lead with courage and compassion.

On the program’s opening day, students proudly shared how the Edmund Rice charism is alive at St James College before collaborating with their peers on global citizenship and courageous leadership.

The group will gather next week for the Desmond Tutu Courageous Youth Leadership Program, reflecting on how young people can help shape a more just and compassionate world.

Assistant Principal Identity & Global Advocacy, Mr Isikeli Kubunameca, said the experience has been both inspiring and transformative.

“It is truly heartening to witness our students willingly dedicating their own time during the school holidays to such a program.”

“The students’ commitment to engaging in intercultural dialogue with international peers, alongside their focus on leadership development, truly reflects the spirit of St James College,” Kubunameca added.

Participation in the program highlights the college’s focus on Global Learning, Achieving Aspirations, and leadership development. Experiences such as this provide students with opportunities to strengthen leadership skills and to contribute both within their school community and on the global stage.