UN-bound teenager

Rockingham teenager Kate Robertson’s dream of pursing a political career is one step closer after being accepted into the 2014 United Nations Youth Australia Pacific Project.

The 16-year-old said she had always desired a career with the United Nations, since growing up in a politically-minded family.

“My pop Gordon Thomas especially influenced my political nature from a young age,” she said.

Kate is one of 10 applicants selected from more than 500 to represent the country on a trip to East Timor, where she will meet with diplomats and justice advocates, and work with the government to find solutions to the nation’s problems.

What affected her most was the country’s low education rates and the inequality of women, she said.

“Education is not compulsory because it is not part of society’s make up,” she said.

Kate said the application process was challenging but it enhanced her understanding of East Timor.

She said there were three stages, the first was simple short answers, the second required research for essays and the third was an interview.

“I am grateful to have been accepted and am very excited to experience their life and use my time to make a difference,” Kate said.

“I will also get to learn Australia’s role within the Asia-Pacific region.”

The challenge for Kate now is to find $5000 to fund her three-week international trip before she departs in June.

Kate has set about gaining donations for a Curry for a Cause dinner and auction, to be held at the Robertson family home in March.

She was thankful for the raffle and auction donations she had received so far, but was hoping businesses would donate ingredients because she and her mother Joanne would be cooking.

If businesses want to sponsor Kate or donate to the event, phone Joanne on 0423 590 022.