SAQ Youth

The dynamic youth arm of the Sinhala Association of Queensland (SAQ), dedicated to fostering Sri Lankan heritage, leadership skills, and community engagement among young individuals in Queensland.

Why SAQ Youth?

SAQ Youth serves as an affiliated branch of the Sinhala Association of Queensland, guided by the Association’s constitution. It represents SAQ's expanded commitment to the community by:

  • Creating a dynamic Sri Lankan youth group in Queensland.
  • Fostering values and skills essential for becoming worthy citizens.
  • Helping our youth understand their great Sri Lankan heritage while appreciating Sinhalese cultural values.
  • Encouraging youth to work as a cohesive group within mainstream Australian society, contributing positively to the economy.
  • Providing opportunities to interact and excel in leadership, nourished by our rich cultural heritage and knowledge sharing.
  • Offering guidance from community leaders (professionals and academics) who serve as Patrons.
  • Functioning as a succession group to ensure the future leadership and continuity of SAQ.

SAQ Youth Membership

Eligibility

You are welcome to join SAQ Youth if you are **under 30 years of age** and fall into any of these categories:

  • Senior college student
  • University undergraduate or postgraduate student
  • Working professional
  • Currently awaiting a job

Special Offer: A free two-year membership is offered to all students passing out from the Brisbane Sinhala School Dutton Park (affiliated with SAQ).

Membership Fee

$10

Per Annum

Our Activities

To uplift organising and leadership skills, SAQ Youth is active in the following areas:

  • Actively involving in the Sinhala Avurudu festival and ‘Saralanga’ organised by the Sinhala Association of Queensland.
  • Providing support where necessary for the activities of the Sinhala School and Seniors Forum affiliated with SAQ.
  • Effectively promoting and organising youth leadership programmes specific to SAQ Youth.
  • Sharing resources and working hand-in-hand on common projects with other youth organisations, especially members of FSOQ (Federation of Sri Lankan Organisations in Queensland Inc.).
  • Organising SAQ Youth interactive sessions, including musical events, get-togethers, and field sports (with a goal of at least one major event per year, such as a sports day or music concert).
  • Representing SAQ in youth forums initiated by Australian multicultural organisations, other registered Sri Lankan organisations, and programs like those of the Brisbane City Council.
  • Promoting harmony and developing cross-cultural dialogue between different ethnic and multicultural groups in Australia.
  • Initiating SAQ Youth's own projects and assisting other Sri Lankan organisations with special projects in Sri Lanka and Australia, particularly during disaster events.
  • Identifying and fulfilling at least one project annually to assist Sri Lankans in need (e.g., donating books for a rural Sri Lankan school library).
  • Working together collaboratively as a team, supporting and encouraging each other to foster understanding within the group, and networking with other youth groups in Queensland, interstate, and globally to develop the right skills to be worthy citizens.