The Goda Foundation
"To discover who you really are and to reach out to those about you, particularly those in most need of your help...
that is what the Foundation is all about."
Click on the below image to view the latest brochure
Chairman
Mr Humphrey Firkins
Trustees
Archbishop John Hepworth
Jamie Dorrington
Peter Firkins
Carmel Cleary
Margaret Collyer
The Foundation was established in 1999 to foster and assist students of all ages in their quest for knowledge and character development. We believe that the combination of a broad education with strong emphasis on character development, leads not only to personal success but also creates a willingness to help others in need and seeks to create a better world for all.
To this end, the Foundation has initiated a number of bursaries, scholarships and awards including the opportunity to participate in programmes such as Outward Bound, the Global Young Leaders Conference, International Leadership Programme and the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.
The Foundation provides opportunities for students seeking assistance for projects in the areas of Art, Business Technology and personal achievement as well as the Suzuki Violin method.
For further information on some of the opportunities please click on the below links.
Since 1989, the NSLC has taught the world’s future leaders the art of leadership. Students actively participate in leadership
workshops as well as meet with and learn from decisionmakers in the fields of law, medicine, government, diplomacy, engineering, business, journalism and the arts.
Leadership Workshops may include:
Negotiation, Intrapersonal Communication, Ethics and Effective Decision Making, Time & Stress Management, Leadership Styles & Group Dynamics, Public Speaking, Peer Mediation & Conflict Resolution.
www.nslcleaders.org/youth-leadership-conference.html
The National Student Leadership Conference is an extraordinary, life-changing programme that explores the nature of leadership and the skills required to make a powerful impact in a leadership role. Students are taught effective communication, responsibility and to lead by positive example. An ultimate feeling of confidence in a leadership role is the positive outcome.
"In June, I attended the National Student Leadership Conference at the University of California –Berkeley in San Francisco. The conference I attended was on Mastering Leadership, in which I not only learnt valuable leadership skills such as leading by example and how to make a powerful impact, I also learnt a lot about myself, my capabilities, and how to encourage and inspire others. The program teaches independence, responsibility, compassion and each of us left with a feeling of confidence and accomplishment. The program involves physical as well as mental challenges and includes a day of community service work which was both worthwhile and inspiring.
While the course was intense with conferences well into the night, there was also time for fun, with visits to the Exploratorium, Pier 39 and a cruise around the bay to view Alcatraz. I made many close friends and through our shared experiences we will keep in touch. I would encourage anyone thinking about attending this extraordinary leadership program in the future to apply, as the knowledge gained will prove beneficial for life. This was an amazing, life-changing experience and I would like to thank Mr Humphrey Firkins and The Goda Foundation for providing me with this opportunity for which I am very grateful."
Adam Price
Year 11 Student - 2009
We do not believe in ourselves until someone first believes in us. Until someone sees something deep inside us that is valuable, worth listening to. Someone who believes we can make a difference. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, adventure or any experience that reveals the human spirit. E.E.Cummings
Each year, students from Year 9 and 10 are presented with the opportunity to participate in a nine day camping experience with Outward Bound Australia: a not-for profit organisation whose goal is to provide challenging experiences to help students to discover, develop and achieve their potential. Seventeen students were selected and embarked on their journey during camp week 2009.
The programme involved a student-navigated expedition, covering approximately 65km throughout farming and rainforest areas in Kyogle, New South Wales.
The students developed bush-craft skills such as navigation, building a fire, choosing and setting up a campsite, food preparation and safe hygiene practices to assist them on their journey. They were challenged with intellectual, physical, mental and emotional obstacles presented not only through the strenuous trek, but also through a number of additional activities 
each day.
Students were also provided with the opportunity for self-reflection while sitting alone in the beautiful Kyogle Hinterland for up to three hours during solo-time. A ‘values journey’ encouraged students to identify their own values, analyse the development of their ideals and set goals for any changes for their future. Through leadership and team-building activities the members of the group learnt about their own strengths and weaknesses and how to support each other in an unfamiliar and challenging environment.
The manner in which all students approached the unique, and at times difficult situation, was impressive. Students all commented on the sense of satisfaction they felt at the end, and their surprise at finding out what they were truly capable of. It was impressive and moving to see the support students offered each other, the level of maturity displayed at all times, and their unwavering motivation to succeed.
Thank you to Mr Humphrey Firkins who generously offers financial support for the students selected to attend the course. It was evident from the determination and enthusiasm demonstrated by students throughout the journey that the experience was not only enjoyable, but also incredibly worthwhile.
Miss Jacinta Hyman
Outward Bound 2009
" The course showed me just how far I can push myself,... and how many fears I can conquer with the support of friends." Kaitlin Morris, Year 10
The International Leadership Programme is designed to promote a global perspective in tomorrow’s leaders. It involves working in countries that The Goda Foundation believes will have an impact on Australian society in the future.
The International Leadership Programme is available to graduating Year 12 students and includes a significant component of service learning in countries such as India, China and Malaysia. The five week trip takes place in the January immediately following graduation and prior to commencement of tertiary studies.
Students spend mornings volunteering in child care centres or other environments where they can make a contribution and gain an understanding of the people they contact. Afternoons are spent learning about such things as art, architecture, language, business practices, religion and other aspects of the local culture. The programme also includes a component of sightseeing on weekends, although this should be seen as an added bonus.
The trustees of The Goda Foundation believe that it is essential that young people see themselves as global citizens who are prepared to take on their future studies with a far greater understanding of developing cultures.
The Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) is a unique leadership development programme that brings together outstanding young people from around the world to build critical leadership skills in a global context.
GYLC offers students the opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with some of the world’s top business leaders, policy officials, lobbyists, Journalists, diplomats and academics in the challenging and dynamic environments of Washington, D.C. and New York City or Vienna, Budapest and Prague.
Each session of the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) is designed to educate, inspire, and motivate students by giving them the opportunity to explore cultural differences firsthand, challenge diplomatic skills daily, build confidence and enhance decisionmaking skills in an exciting atmosphere that is challenging and fun.
GYLC gives high-achieving students aged 16-18 a greater understanding of their roles as global ambassadors while analysing concepts surrounding communications, diplomacy, law, human rights, peace, security, economics and the role of the United Nations. Students return home from GYLC with a greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens and future leaders in an international community.
"The Global Young Leaders Conference was an invaluable stepping stone towards my future career as a diplomat. I have learnt how to write international proposals, been involved in international simulations dealing with real events and played a key role in the Global Summit.
I not only created a proposal for the Peace and Security Commission with other young leaders, but also gave a speech in front of the entire conference where I detailed the needs of my country group being Russia at this summit.
I have visited the United Nations and the Namibian Embassy plus many more amazing places all involved with the future I wish to become a part of after my studies at Saint Stephen’s College. I have also met many amazing people from all over the world- giving me an insight into the different cultures I may work with in the future.
Being my first trip overseas, my eyes have truly been opened and I now have so much knowledge that I simply cannot wait to put into practice! This experience has given me an important basis on everything I wish to achieve in my future.
I cannot thank the Trust enough for this amazing experience for which I am sincerely thankful."
Kate Byster-Bowles
"The Global Young Leaders Conference was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I urge anyone who is interested in applying to express their interest next year.
The experience was both academically rewarding and culturally enriching. It has given me the confidence to pursue a career involving international relations and I’m looking forward to beginning my tertiary studies in this field in 2008.
I cannot thank Mr Firkins enough for his generosity in providing me with this amazing opportunity which I will remember for the rest of my life."
Sarah Wordsworth
YEYS began when the sail training ship STS Young Endeavour was given to the people of Australia as a Bicentennial gift from the United Kingdom in 1988. Since then over 8,500 young Australians aged 16 - 23 have already taken part in voyages all around Australia and some overseas.
Offering 20 voyages each year in Australian waters with a youth crew of 24 and 9 specially trained Royal Australian Navy crew, the Young Endeavour voyages are run in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy.
The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme aims to provide young Australians with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience that increases self awareness, develops teamwork and leadership skills and creates a strong sense of community responsibility.
www.youngendeavour.gov.au
"The Young Endeavour Youth scheme was one the most amazing experiences of my life. It taught me many things, how to make new friends and do things that I would never thought I could do - like climbing 34 meters high on a rocking ship whilst standing on just a piece of wire. I would definitely recommend it to everyone!"
Jeenah Franks
Each year, 20 students from Years 1 and 2 are invited to participate in the Suzuki Violin Programme.
The Suzuki Method combines a music teaching method with a philosophy, which embraces the total development of the child. Developed by founder Dr Shinichi Suzuki, over 250,000 children world wide currently study the Suzuki Method. Dr Suzuki used the concept of ‘character first, ability second’ and his goal was to embrace the whole child, nurturing a love of music and the development of a fine character rather than just the mastering of a musical instrument.
Dr Suzuki believed that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. 
The potential of every child is unlimited.
The students receive one lesson per week from Performing Arts strings specialists to introduce them to a world of music.
"Dear Mr Firkins,
Thank you for paying for my violin lessons. I am really excited that I will be learning how to play the violin, maybe I will be able to play for you one day."
Danika Goodman Year 1F
The Goda Foundation has recently had its first of hopefully many Guest Lecturers visit the Humphrey Firkins Lecture Theatre.
“It is understandable that people with chronic and incurable diseases are looking at every option available, however it is essential these people understand the science behind these claims and that there may be risks involved.” says Dr Munsie “The ASCC does not seek to advise patients, evaluate individual treatments, or comment on an individual’s reasons for travelling for treatment, but aims to provide the patient with the necessary information prior to considering any therapy. Australia has a well regulated health system and patients can be confident that when stem cell treatments are offered here they will be both safe and effective”
Dr Megan Munsie, Senior Manager, Research and Government at the Australian Stem Cell Centre, Monash University Melbourne visited Saint Stephen's College on Tuesday 8 June to assist our College community in understanding proven Stem Cell Research outcomes.
Many people with incurable and degenerative diseases are often desperate for a cure. For many, this desperation results in placing their faith in those who ‘claim’ to have found a cure.
With the increased ability to now ‘Google’ information, unscrupulous individuals and organisations can lay claim to a myriad of unproven cures, often at great cost to the patient.
The latest trend in this area lies in Stem Cell Research, which is being promoted as ‘the cure’ to a myriad of illnesses. However, whilst many claims are being made in this area, as yet, whilst research progresses and many stem cell treatments are in or nearing clinical trials, the only treatments currently fully proven and established are those for blood and related disorders such as leukaemia.
Dr Munsie discussed what stem cells are, the various types of stem cells, which stem cell treatments are considered safe and effective by specialists, which are considered experimental and which are currently unproven.
I found Dr Munsie's lecture a refreshing insight to see the outside world enter the classroom. When I left Saint Stephen's in 2002 and commenced my university journey in a Bachelor of Science, I thought textbooks (and teachers) were the mecca of knowledge - how wrong I was!!
Alas, eight years have passed and I am currently in my final year of studying Medicine at Griffith University where as of next year, the rest of my life's learning will revolve primarily around the proven results of researchers such as Dr Munsie. Her dedication and lifelong commitment to the frontier of knowledge serves us all. No longer will I rely on textbooks, but what Dr Munsie and her colleagues have discovered. Many people fail to understand the great lengths researchers go to in order to bring us proven scientific evidence with which we can put to use in our lives. She also explained the many pitfalls and misconceptions about stem cells in response to whimsical claims driven by media hype. It is a long and slow but steady road. It was comforting to know that the funding research bodies receives includes an opportunity to go out and educate the broader community about the happenings within the lab.
I highly appreciated the opportunity to attend Dr Munsie's lecture and gain an insight into the frontier of stem cells, something I am not taught much about in my degree. Thanks to her and her fellow researchers, and may we wish them the best of fortune (and scientific evidence!) with all of their future endeavours!!
I think the lecture series is a fantastic opportunity for the students and Saint Stephen's community members to indulge in the latest research and knowledge of breaking topics. It really does help bring the world to our doorstep
Mrs Jamie-Lea Whyte (nee Knight) - Old Scholar (2002)
Dr. Munsie’s visit to Saint Stephen’s College was a watershed moment for the College for many reasons. Having such a respected member of Australia’s scientific community address the College really was the perfect way to inaugurate the Humphrey Firkins Lecture Theatre. Dr. Munsie was both eloquent and professional as she spoke on stem cell research – a cutting edge topic often thrust into the media spotlight. Confusion around the subject was quickly dispelled, however, in front of a large contingent of Saint Stephen’s students and the wider College community.
Bringing guest speakers of the caliber of Doctor Munsie to Saint Stephen’s College is not only important in keeping with the tradition of excellence at Saint Stephen’s College, but also evidence of the Goda Foundation’s commitment to medical research towards curing diseases such as Friedreich’s Ataxia. The zeal that the students welcomed Dr. Munsie with was fantastic, as they asked informed and well-constructed questions suitable for such a respected visitor. All in all a wonderful opportunity to listen to someone at the cutting edge of their field, and a testament to the work the Goda Foundation, what it stands for, and its continued effort in the community.
Mr Sam Cleary - Old Scholar and College Captain (2001)
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College Captain Adam Price represented SSC at the annual Lions Youth of the Year Quest. Competing against a number of other high achieving students from other Gold Coast schools, Adam demonstrated outstanding public speaking skills and a commitment to leadership in our community to win the Quest. Adam will now represent the Gold Coast region in the next round of the competition. Congratulations Adam, and best of luck at the next stage of the Quest!
