RMIT student sits down with former First Lady of South Africa, Dame Graça Machel

RMIT student Anjali Ali was asked to be involved in a RMIT panel and sit alongside the former First Lady of South Africa, Dame Graça Machel.

Anjali Ali is an Alyawarrer woman who was born and raised in Darwin and is an Indigenous officer at RMIT’s Student Union (RUSU).

Anjali had the opportunity to speak on the panel which focused on Dame Graça Machel’s incredible life and how to empower people to drive positive change.

Dame Graca Machel had just returned from visiting Alice Springs and made connections with communities and elders in central Australia.

Anjali's unique blend of academic pursuits and active community involvement made her an ideal candidate for the panel. Her dedication to the RMIT First Nations community and her experiences in women's leadership opened doors to this exceptional opportunity. This recognition of her efforts was a testament to the impact she had made and the potential she possessed to inspire change.

I was incredibly honoured to be talking alongside Aunty Carolyn (Elder in Research, RMIT College of Design and Social Context) and to be giving my views in front of mob rooting for me. Arguably, the most significant highlight was being able to be a role model for the kids to come after me.

Group of women standing and looking toward camera.

(L-R) Santilla Chingaipe, Saskia Loer Hansen, Dame Graça Machel, N’arwee't Dr Carolyn Briggs AM and Anjali Ali.

During the panel, Anjali had a heartwarming encounter. A young girl from the audience was so inspired by Anjali's words that she wrote her name in a notebook. The girl even included thoughtful poems and beautiful drawings as a way of showing her appreciation. This gesture humbled Anjali and reinforced her belief in the power of student voices.

Anjali's journey as a student demonstrates the incredible impact students can have when they raise their voices. Anjali encourages students to speak up on important issues, particularly in education, and use their unique perspectives and creative thinking to bring about positive change.

Her story serves as an inspiration for students everywhere, reminding them of their potential to make a difference in the world.

This special RMIT event was presented in conjunction with Igniting Change and the Dame Graca Machel Trust.

13 June 2023

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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RMIT student sits down with former First Lady of South Africa, Dame Graça Machel