Maryann Yettica-Paulson

Youth Culture and Empowerment - Australia

 

Maryann is a Samoan woman and a young parent who has recently arrived in Australia. Her role as a mother goes hand in hand with strengthening community ties and cultural identity. “I understand the importance of supporting parents, especially if we are to seek a brighter, healthier generation after us,” she said.

Maryann plans to put her passion for art to good use by designing and building an environmentally sustainable “healing space” Indigenous youth. She envisages that the centre will act as a refuge for young people to escape the pressures of life and engage in constructive activities with their peers. Maryann stresses that such a nurturing environment is desperately needed to provide the care and support so often missing from young people’s lives. 

“The young people I know and work with want access to spaces where they can relax, have fun with their friends and learn new skills in a supportive environment.”

She wants to challenge how people value healing and call them to define and acknowledge what balance means for them. The purpose is to create “healing” and “retreat spaces” where people can step back from work. Maryann believes there is a need for space to reflect and have time out. Many Australians are depressed and unhappy.

Maryann aims to promote the strengths and confidence of young mothers in particular. Through skills training and workshops they will be able to network and exchange ideas. She wants to help women develop their skills and management expertise with the option of entering into business and increasing their self-sufficiency. Young women exhausted to the point where they cannot look after themselves or their families. Issues such as racism, sexism, poverty, unemployment and land degradation are overwhelming.

The centre also addresses indigenous rights and provides room for discussions around issues of social justice as well as network opportunities for indigenous activists.

“Young indigenous activists are often burnt out and overworked due to a stressful workload. As society becoming increasingly materialistic there is a strong need for a space for young people to gather and retreat for replenishment, recuperation and healing.”