Released 19/06/2018
As part of Refugee Week 2018, today I had the pleasure of presenting scholarships to 45 local students from a refugee or asylum-seeker background.
Held during Refugee Week each year, the Canberra Refugee Support Scholarships event is an opportunity to hear stories from refugees in Canberra who have worked incredibly hard to make the most of the opportunities available and to celebrate their achievements.
These scholarships provide support to children and young people currently undertaking primary, secondary or post-secondary education in Canberra, with the youngest recipient just six years old.
The scholarships are funded through the fundraising efforts of Canberra Refugee Support, which demonstrates the welcoming values of individuals and businesses from across Canberra.
A great education will go a long way to ensuring these Canberrans have every possible opportunity to lead happy and successful lives.
Canberra Refugee Support is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation supporting refugees and asylum-seekers by:
- assisting refugees to settle in the Canberra region;
- providing advice to refugees; and
- advocating to policy makers to improve the level of equity and access for asylum seekers and refugees.
The ACT Government is committed to building an inclusive and welcoming city for all. This means ensuring diversity and difference are celebrated and supported, instead of becoming obstacles to full participation in our community.
As a refugee Welcome Zone since 2015, the ACT proudly stands #WithRefugees.
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases