China trip the real deal

Damian Crowe hopes to learn more about China’s history, culture and language when he visits the country next year.

The 14-year-old Bacchus Marsh boy is among 1500 standout young Victorians heading to China as part of the state government’s Victorian Young Leaders to China program.

Damian jumped at the opportunity to apply when applications for the grants opened.

For him, it meant immersing himself in a different culture and expanding his knowledge.

“I’m really looking forward to going,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to expand my Chinese knowledge and language skills.

“It’s good to be able to speak Chinese because it’s spoken by a lot of people.”

Damian is hoping to learn some new characters, carry a conversation and meet new people. As for any recipes?

“Hopefully,” he says with a giggle.

Damian will head to China late next year for six weeks, with $3000 of his costs subsidised by the state government.

The program aims to strengthen Year9 students’ Chinese language skills, and promote student leadership and intercultural understanding.