About SLIC
Service Learning in Indigenous Communities
This project centered on " empowerment " took me to Queensland, where I collaborated with Indigenous communities to address cultural preservation and future planning.
My approach to building community revolves around the core concept of empowerment, based on empathy, respect, and recognizing the inner power of community members. During my exchange program at the University of Sydney, I had the opportunity to join the SLIC (Service Learning in Indigenous Communities) program, which provided a first-hand experience of what it truly means to empower a community by working alongside them, rather than for them.
An important moment in the program was the three-day Family Wellbeing workshop, an empowerment initiative designed by Indigenous leaders. This workshop builds up strong emotional bonds between our group and the community, preparing us to engage with an open mind and genuine respect. Through this experience, I realized that Indigenous communities hold deep expertise on the issues that affect them, and they often have the solutions but need to be heard. This understanding shaped my view of empowerment: it’s not just imposing outside solutions but about supporting the community in recognizing and strengthening their own capacities. We need to listen, understand, and help them unlock their potential rather than overshadow it with our own ideas.
Arts & Culture Team
As part of the arts and culture team, I collaborated closely with the leaders of Cardwell Art Centre to assess their financial situation and plan for sustainable development. One memorable day, we gathered barefoot on the grass to conduct a SWOT analysis and later presented our findings under the shade of a tree to the community elders. This simple setting emphasized the authenticity of our interactions and the mutual respect between us. When I left, I was touched to receive a woven necklace from the community—a gesture of acceptance and appreciation. It reminded me that empowerment goes both ways; by helping them strengthen their community, I was also enriched and empowered by their warmth and support.
The SLIC program instilled in me that true empowerment is a commitment to long-term growth. Empowerment is not just about providing temporary solutions; it’s about inspiring community members to recognize their own potential, enabling them to continue growing beyond our collaboration. This experience solidified my design philosophy: whether collaborating with physical communities or serving global users on a digital platform, my ultimate goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their own futures. This commitment to empowerment has profoundly influenced my approach to community engagement and remains at the heart of my career aspirations.