Nineteen-year-old Jillian Gwand, one of the outspoken participants from the 20 young women selected at RISE Empowerment Program at Tokarara Secondary School in Port Moresby city, says she did not expect the experience to change her life so profoundly.

As Vice-Captain of her Grade 12 Block Science stream class, Jillian recalls when the RISE team led by Kristine Berry and Michelle Pillay visited her school at the start of the year to introduce the eight-month program.

“They called us into the hall and gave us a short talk about what RISE was all about,” Jillian said. “We were then given questionnaires to fill out, and from that, we were selected.”

At first, Jillian joined just to try something new.

“I didn’t really expect to get in, I just said, if I get in, I get in and if not, that’s fine too, " she laughed.

What began as curiosity soon grew into confidence, through the program, Jillian met inspiring women and mentors who taught her valuable life and career skills such as how to speak in public and how to write a professional CV.

“We were able to meet influential people in our country,” she said. “That really helped me improve my public speaking. Now I have the confidence to stand in front of a large crowd and speak.”

Jillian said RISE gave her a new outlook on her future.

“I’ve learned so many new skills like communication, leadership, and how to plan for my career,” she said. “I want to use what I’ve learned not just for myself, but to help others too.”

Once shy and unsure, Jillian will now leave Tokarara Secondary School as a proud RISE graduate ready to face the world with confidence, courage, and the heart of a leader.