Every year The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) hosts the Unleashed Awards, which aims to recognise, honour and share the impact young people are making across the country. This year there were 6 categories in which young people aged 12 – 29 could be nominated for. Finalists from across the country were flown to the award ceremony which was held at Melbourne Town Hall on the night of Thursday 14 November. Our very own Year 12 student Godefroid Mubali was not only nominated this year, but was the winner of the Unleashed Storyteller Award 2019. The Unleashed Storyteller Award is awarded to a young person who tells stories inspired by passion, lived experience or community issues.
Godefroid came to Wodonga Senior Secondary College in 2018 after arriving in Australia in 2017 as a refugee from Malawi. Godefroid used his passion and talents in music to tell a story through the medium of song. The song is titled ‘No War’ and is based on Godefroid’s personal life experiences of growing up in Malawi and dealing with war. His inspiration came from wanting to educate his peers and community about the effects war and conflict can inflict.
Godefroid has thoroughly enjoyed his experience with the Unleashed Awards and has inspired him to continue to tell stories and write music. He hopes that more people get involved in this event, as it really helps and allows young people’s voices to be heard.
