Christian College duo impress online at international forum

TWO Christian College students’ presentation to a global panel opened a welcomed discussion about bushfires.

Adelia Chong and Nathan Tarrant represented Christian College and Australia at this year’s Asian and Oceanian High School Students’ Forum.

The forum allows students from across the globe to come together and discuss global issues and develop their leadership skills, allowing them to become more active in an international society.

Sixteen countries took part in the three-day Zoom event, which up until last year had been held annually in Wakayama, Japan.

Ms Chong and Mr Tarrant’s ‘Measures Against Tsunamis and Other Disasters’ presentation was eloquently delivered to the student panel before discussions began.

The duo focused their presentation primarily on Australia’s issues surrounding bushfires and how the country aims to manage their impacts.

“We received a very positive response to our presentation,” Mr Tarrant said.

“There was a great deal of interest regarding bushfires in Australia, as many students would never have seen or experienced such an event in their country before.”
The experience was something the two students will never forget, despite not being able to attend the international event.

“I’ve always been interested in global politics, which is what motivated me to participate,” Ms Chong said.

“At the start, I was extremely nervous. Public speaking has never been my strong suit and doing it in front of so many people was nerve wracking.

“However, it was a very positive experience and helped me develop confidence.”

Christian College’s vice-principal Scott Ellis said both Ms Chong and Mr Tarrant made the school extremely proud, as well as the people closest to them.

“Adelia and Nathan represented themselves, their families, our college and the nation wonderfully,” Mr Ellis said.

“We are very proud of the effort they put into the research, preparation and presentation of their topic.”

Both students were assisted by the school’s Japanese teachers Mrs Michelle Oataway and Mr Yuki Nakayama.