On 2 May, twelve of our WGHS students from the World Vision Leaders Committee attended the World Vision Youth Conference, where they watched passionate climate change, child protection, and gender equality advocates push for the world to take action.
One of the highlights was listening to Brad Smeele, a former professional wakeboarder who suffered a severe spinal injury, which caused paralysis from the neck down. He spoke on stage about how, while his vertebrae were shattered along with his dreams, his ambition lived on. Now a speaker and author, Brad shared his inspiring journey from despair to acceptance and how taking ownership of his life led him to become the leader he is today.
The student leadership team, featuring representatives from schools nationwide, including Westlake, also shared how they’re running the 40-hour challenge back home.
Youth ambassadors Asher and Joel took the stage to share their personal experiences with World Vision, such as their trip to the Solomon Islands, the country that will be the focus of this year’s World Vision efforts. Here, they met Polyne, a young girl struggling with food poverty due to rising sea levels destroying crops and livelihoods. Polyne’s resilience in the face of hardship deeply moved them, and stories like these, they say, are what motivate their commitment to driving change.
Roy Wasi, a 19-year-old from the Solomon Islands, spoke about his difficult childhood amid climate-driven resource destruction and why the need for action has grown increasingly urgent.
How can we play our part?
Drawing on NZ’s Pacific identity, this year’s 40-hour challenge seeks to connect young Kiwis with the experiences of their Pacific neighbours, bringing attention to the impact of climate change on food security.
To inspire empathy in young New Zealanders, World Vision challenges everyone to go offline for 40 hours. The ‘switch-off’ can be social media, gaming, the internet, or even electricity.
Please mark your calendars: On 4 June, we will host our lunchtime activation, where a World Vision Youth Ambassador will share more about the 40-Hour Challenge. Expect fun quizzes with prizes for the top performers!
Our $15,000 Fundraising Goal: To support people like Polyne and World Vision’s life-changing work, we’ve set a bold $15,000 target this year.
Raise $20: See it recorded in your report.
Raise $50: Receive a badge.
Top 3 Fundraisers: Everything above, alongside special prizes
Every contribution helps, no matter how small.
As the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Participating in the challenge means standing with thousands of children who need our support.