Mullumbimby High School student Sana Bloudani has been appointed to the Minister’s Student Council, which is a direct voice for students to the NSW Education Minister.
Sana, 14, is the only representative from the Northern Rivers on the 27-member council.
It’s been a big year for the former refugee, who earlier won a prestige national scholarship, which Sana hopes to use as a pathway to studying medicine.
Sana, along with parents Ousama and Walaa and sister Ghina, arrived in Australia 18 months ago after escaping war-torn Syria and living as refugees for 12 years. They were settled in Brunswick Heads with the assistance of Northern Rivers for Refugees (NRFR).
The family recently travelled to Sydney to meet the Education Minister, Prue Car, and the rest of the NSW student council at Parliament House.
“I told the Minister I want to be a Government Minister, and she said: ‘We are going to be friends!’ ” Sana said.
The council hosts forums for student opinions, ideas, feedback and concerns in regards to their education and schooling.
The members, who are appointed for two years, also participate in workshops and provide advice on education and school policy as well as feedback to aid in the planning and development of department programs.
Council meetings are held online at least twice a term where students feel safe to openly discuss issues to be raised with the Minister.
As required by the Minister, the council may be asked for input into policy and issues that directly affect students. Sana also hopes to advocate for the interests of Muslim students.
Sana is still starry eyed from her first visit to Sydney. “I loved it. It was so busy – and I love being busy.”
For more information on local refugee settlement, please read this.
Pictured: Sana Bloudani at Parliament House with NSW Education Minister Prue Car.
