Bachelor of Arts - Psychology with a Degree in Education (Primary)
PACE International alumna, Leonie Nahhas, had the opportunity to take part in two international activities, one with KOTO (Know One Teach One) in Hanoi, Vietnam and another with Pusat Rehabilitiasi Yakkum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
"My PACE International experience allowed me to evolve in my understanding of what it means to think global, act local and start personal."
At KOTO in Hanoi, Leonie worked in the training department, creating and delivering English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons in addition to training students (aged 16-23) in life skills. At the end of her placement, she also supported a week-long excursion to Hoi An as group leader, which involved team-building and goal-setting as well as celebrating and empowering trainees for their prospects beyond the KOTO program.
At YAKKUM in Yogyakarta, Leonie collected data on carers of children with cerebral palsy and supported the monitoring and evaluation of the Educational and Psychosocial Program for children and young adults with disabilities. This work included collaborating with local researchers in conducting and translating interviews across Yogyakarta. From there she produced a report and presentation that was eventually integrated into the 'Psychological Wellbeing of Family' component in YAKKUM's annual report.
Emboldening her skills and passions for supporting and empowering young people, Leonie has used her PACE experiences to gain insight into the centrality of culture in understanding human behaviour.
Currently, Leonie is participating in the NSW Department of Education, School Counsellor Sponsorship Program, applying her experience and knowledge towards supporting the academic, social and emotional wellbeing of every child.
When asked what advice she would provide to future PACE students, Leonie said, "have been a fearless sense of optimism towards an opportunity that extends your personal limits as well as contemplating and articulating your purpose in the applied role... I personally believe that the only impossible journey is the one you never begin."