Rebecca Greenwood
High Distinction & the Humanitarian Prize
Merewether Girl's High School
Madman, Mercenary or Missionary? - An investigation into the responsibility of nations to provide support to neighbouring nations, focusing on Australia & East Timor

Undertaking the journey that was my PIP has been a two-fold learning experience, expanding not only my research skills but also my social awareness. Researching a topic that is of personal interest to myself, and has had such a large impact on my micro world, was something I found extremely enjoyable and interesting as I had a personal connection with my research.

In conducting research for my PIP I hoped to examine the relationship between Australia and East Timor, and gain an insight into perspectives on whether Australia had a moral obligation to help developing nations. My research has identified that much of Australian society lacks knowledge of the issue, due to limited coverage by the media and lack of public awareness, whereas those that have personally experienced life in East Timor and have contributed to the aid program feel strongly about their work, and Australia’s role in helping East Timor build as a nation. This supports my initial hypothesis, but I have found that I now have greater understanding about why Australian society lacks knowledge, and comparatively from visiting and learning more about East Timor I feel I can also identify with my cross cultural group and their views. I believe though my research has not drawn any foolproof conclusions it is a topic that should be afforded greater awareness and recognition, especially as globalisation continues to bring countries closer together. I believe helping developing nations is an important role Australia should play, and that the future for East Timor can be positive with help from Australia.

I have learnt that the media plays a crucial role in the socialisation of persons and groups, and is the basis for the formation of most of society’s collective opinions. However, I have also learnt that personal experience is strongly influential in the formation of values, and so it is important not to dismiss someone’s opinion, or judge them unfairly, because they have different personal circumstances that have led to their values.

My social and cultural literacy has definitely increased as a result of undertaking the journey that was my PIP. I have learnt it is important to have a critical discernment towards the media as often it sensationalises facts, and I also feel I have become more concerned about others’ wellbeing as my topic has forced me to examine the lives of people much less fortunate than myself, and I now realise that I have a lot to be thankful for that I often take for granted. I have also learnt about the importance of conducting ethical research. Maintaining questionnaire respondents’ confidentiality in my topic was of particular importance as many were giving me access to private thoughts that included critical opinions towards the government or organisation for which they worked.

Visiting East Timor nearing the end of my PIP journey also allowed what I had learnt through methodologies to become a reality, strengthening my thoughts about the country and ensuring my PIP experience, though challenging and frustrating at times, was enjoyable and one that has changed my outlook on life.