The Youth Leadership Challenge is open to people aged 15 to 18 who are living in Tasmania, including 10 locals and 10 from refugee backgrounds who have settled in the state.

The six Northern finalists, who are part of the Migrant Resources Centre youth pathways program in Launceston, will help make up the team of 20 who were selected from across the state to take part in the annual event.

The finalists will travel around the South and South-East aboard the tall ship Windeward Bound, learning to sail and be self-sufficient for ten days straight. 

Among the group is 19-year-old Zodin Bunghma who has been living in Tasmania for about nine years.

“I know some of the areas I would like to develop within myself and I want to take on the challenge of facing some of my fears,” she said. 

“I always seem to be doing the same things in a small community but I want to try something different and see what it feels like to be out of my comfort zone. Being part of this experience will be one of the most amazing things I have ever done.”

Another finalist from the North, 17-year-old Mostafa Karimi, said he was looking forward to being on a boat for the first time in his life.

“It will be mind-blowing to spend all day and night on a boat and knowing that we will be far away from our families and friends for ten days. I would really like to participate in this voyage because it will offer me so many challenges which will help me be successful in future challenges and my future life,” he said.

Migrant Resources Centre youth settlement pathways coordinator Sharon Wright said it was a great opportunity for young migrants in the North of the state to push themselves beyond their boundaries.

“It’s just brilliant, they’re all from different communities and most have never been on a boat before so its a chance for them to challenge themselves,” she said.