Wei Tian Teo, a former student of Macleans College, has won the prestigious Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award.
Teo won the east Auckland award for her extensive involvement in her school and community affairs, then the Zonta District 16 (28 clubs) award and was one of 36 recipients to be award the Zonta International award with a prize of US$5000 [$8107.65].
The Zonta Club of East Auckland’s Robyn Fox said Teo’s success was due to her extensive work with national and international charity organisations as the president of her school’s UNICEF and Interact clubs, leading more than 600 students each year in numerous service projects and raising around $30,000 over her years of leadership.
As head girl, elected Board of Trustees student representative, and Student Council president, she led the modernising of school policies and practices for intersectional inclusivity.
“Teo has also demonstrated international understanding through raising money towards helping migrants and refugees assimilate in New Zealand,” said Fox.
“Beyond school, Wei Tian advocated for a $1,045,000 city council budget towards reducing emissions and campaigned for increased youth involvement in civic affairs as a United Nations Youth ambassador.”
She also founded her school’s UN chapter to enhance civics education, engagement in local politics and created spaces for students to develop debating, diplomacy and public-speaking skills. Teo has also led the coordination of the UNICEF Ball Committee; a national student-led initiative that raises money towards aid for Yemen children.
She co-founded and directed The Girl Empowerment Conference, an island-wide social case competition, aimed at empowering female students through critical-thinking as she engaged influential speakers and mentors. For her advocacy and initiative, she was named an international finalist in the Youth-To-The-Front-Fund and received several national accolades.
Teo is now studying at the University of Auckland as she undertakes a degree in biomedical science with a view to becoming a physician.
“Her time at university has enabled her to become increasingly aware of the inequities in the health system. This has now inspired her to think about the politics of medicine as she is aware that injustice seems to be to do with legislation,” said Fox.
“This will inform the choices she makes as she goes forward in her career. She acknowledged that her mother, sister, teachers and senior students also helped her realise that anything is possible. Wei Tian is an outstanding young woman and a very deserved winner.”
The Young Women in Public Affairs application packs will be in all secondary schools in the third term.
For further information contact eastauckland@zonta.org.nz.
