Year 11 student Yusuf Yusuf was one of only four national winners of an Earthwatch Fellowship at the end of Term 2.He earned a return airfare to Queensland and two weeks board to be part of a university research team investigating insects of the rainforest canopy in Lamington National Park.
Yusuf, 19, is from the Oromo ethnic group and lives with his two brothers.
Below is Yusuf's very impressive application:
My name is Yusuf Yusuf. I am an ESL student at Banksia Secondary College. I came to Australia from Ethiopia under the special humanitarian program on 9th September, 1995 with my brother. My parents are back home; we are separated because of the violent conditions in my country.
When I heard about the Earthwatch Environmental Fellowship and the chance to participate in this research project I had to put in an application. I want to see the wonderful Australian rainforest canopy - what a fantastic opportunity!
I think research in this area is very important because it is the study of the rainforests which is part of the lungs of the world. Although the rainforest is very important for the life of all living things, it is not very popular with governments and enough attention has not been paid to it.
It contains a large variety of insects which are an important factor for the maintenance of the rainforests and ecosystem so it is very important to study rainforests and their canopy. It is these insects which live there that keep the rainforest alive by pollinating, by being a fertilizer when they die, and by spreading their seeds. People must understand about these insects and their uses, consequently finding a way to keep on maintaining the rainforest and contribute for the future of the world.
I am extremely interested in becoming involved in this research project which affects the world in many ways. In Africa there is a lack of rain and the desert is expanding every year because people have destroyed the rainforest. If I have a better understanding I can teach the people whenever I get a chance to. I strongly believe that if I take part in this project I would have a better understanding about this part of the world and to make a contribution which I might be able to use in Africa.
Apart from its educational benefit it gives me a chance to visit part of the wonderful Australian outdoors.
Star Students