News & Events 29 November 2010
Education grants to humanitarian entrants
Tasmania's Social Inclusion Commissioner, Professor David Adams, presented the Alcorso Foundation's 2010 Humanitarian Entrant Education Grants at a ceremony at Parliament House on Tuesday 30 November 2010.
The annual awards of $2500 each are presented to humanitarian entrants undertaking study in years 10, 11 and 12 and may be spent on education expenses of the winners' choice.
Alcorso Foundation committee member, Cassandra Pybus, said she was delighted that the Foundation was this year able to award five individual grants and one to a student group from Hobart Polytechnic College
"This annual award not only offers financial assistance to support new members of our community receive maximum education benefit, it provides opportunity and confidence for individuals who have endured extraordinary hardship to strive for and reach personal and career goals that may otherwise be unattainable," Professor Pybus said.
"The Alcorso Foundation has awarded 15 education grants since the program began in 2006. "This year we had 17 applications from students across the State and Catholic school systems.
"We ask the students to outline their personal, educational and career goals and how they believe they can make a difference in their community and how the grant would help them achieve those goals."
Social Inclusion Commissioner, Professor David Adams said the impact of the awards could not be underestimated in terms of the potential to make a difference in the lives of the recipients and their families.
"Each of these young people is likely to be a future leader in community, business or civic life. These Awards are an important recognition of their future potential and an incentive to grow their confidence and knowledge."
The successful candidates for 2010 are:
Abraham Kargbo - Kings Meadows High School, Launceston
Born in Sierra Leone, arrived in Tasmania in 2008 from Ghana. Abraham's grant will help him follow his goals to attend Tasmania's Polytechnic College.
Magai Mawien - Guilford Young College, Hobart
Born in Sudan. Magai's grant will help him follow his dream to achieve results for entry into University to study civil engineering.
Amony Elder - Tasmanian Polytechnic, Mt Nelson campus
Born is Sudan, arrived in Australia from Uganda in 2007. Amony aims to study nursing at University.
Irene Ruba - Tasmanian Polytechnic, Elizabeth campus.
Born in Sudan arrived in Australia from a refugee camp in Uganda. Irene is hoping to enter TAFE Aged Care studies in 2011.
Assefa Gebremariam - Launceston College
Born in Ethiopa, arrived in Tasmania 2009. Assefa will use his grant to complete year 13. His aim is to go to University to study Tourism and the Environment.
It is the aim of the Alcorso Foundation to partner with the corporate sector to expand the number of Humanitarian Entrant Education Grants we can offer in 2011 and beyond.
A short paragraph on each of the successful candidates is attached and students will be available to speak to the media.
The Alcorso Foundation was established in 2001 to celebrate and remember the lives of Claudio and Lesley Alcorso. The Foundation seeks to continue the ideals and values Claudio and Lesley represented through programs and projects in the arts, the environment and social justice.
For further information please contact Denise Robinson, Alcorso Foundation, on 0447 125541.