Mohammad Husseini is back in Geelong after an eye-opening study tour around war heritage sites in Türkiye.
The Year 11 Northern Bay P-12 College student explored Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history and connected with veterans during the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize Study Tour.
Mohammad said the trip provided him with a better understanding and personal outlook on the world’s history.
“Learning about it in primary school is one thing, but going there and witnessing it firsthand and walking the trails that the Anzacs walked is just mind-blowing,” he said.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to go and experience Türkiye, but also to learn about the Australian and Turkish relationship and the Anzacs that fought in Gallipoli 110 years ago.”
Mohammad was one of 12 students to embark on the 11-day study tour as part of the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize, an award recognising young people who show a great understanding of the Anzac Spirit.
Students also participated in the Adopt a Digger project, where they researched soldiers who fought during the First World War.
Mohammad said he learnt about Private James Martin, who was the youngest recorded Australian soldier on the Roll of Honour, which recognises people who died due to war service.
“It was a special moment for me to go and share tribute to his service and sacrifice…as what he did was extraordinary, as he was only 14 when he enlisted and he died at the age of 14 and nine months,” he said.
“He was two years younger than me, and the amount of courage he took to enlist and fight for the country and shape our nation today is just mind-boggling.”
