Supporting students in higher education

AS RURAL and regional students settle into their courses at university and TAFE this month, they face a number of challenges.

The Education Support Fund was set up by the Mirboo North and District Community Foundation in 2013 to support local students in tackling these challenges.

“In February, we were delighted to announce financial support of almost $30,000 to nine local students who are starting tertiary education,” said foundation chair Rob Kiddell.

“The Education Support awards are aimed at supporting the upfront costs students face in taking up these studies – they can cover everything from laptops to books or materials, from bonds to travel expenses.

“This assistance relieves some of the financial pressure on the students at this initial stage, as the students manage some of the other challenges, like moving away from home or learning as an adult in a totally new environment.”

From the very beginning, the Community Bank, Mirboo North & District, has been a strong supporter of the foundation’s Education Support Program, with annual donations.

Then in 2018, the bank set up a perpetual fund within the foundation, with earnings now going into the program each year.

“In addition, this year the Community Bank has also generously sponsored a new two-year Education Support award for two students heading to university,” said executive officer Ruth Rogan.

“These students will receive financial support of $3000 in their first and second years of their university course – a total of $6000.”

At the awards evening, Warren Warner and Marg Thomas, directors on the board of the Community Bank, congratulated Sasha Chalmers and Meaghan Basarke on receiving these two awards.

“The Education Support Program does a wonderful job of supporting local students taking the step into university or TAFE.

“The Community Bank is delighted to be able to support the program and local students,” explained Warren Warner, chair of the Community Bank.”

Rob Kiddell and Walter Aich also congratulated and gave Education Support awards to Kelsi Elger, Matthew Cooke, Ebony Wright, Gemma Tompkins, Audrey Crawford, Lily Maxwell and Jasmine Woods, who are taking up courses in nursing, criminology and visual arts, amongst other things. It was noted that these awards are not only about financial support, but that they reflect the support of the community in the education of local young people.

In addition to financial support, the Education Support Program seeks to provide support for the challenge rural students face in moving away from their support networks.

“In collaboration with Youthrive Victoria, we give a local student access to a peer-to-peer mentor and a rural youth leadership program. We are delighted that Meaghan Basarke will take up this opportunity in 2022,” added Ruth Rogan.

The students and parents gathered for the awards evening also had the opportunity to hear from two different speakers about the journey ahead.

Wendy Major, executive officer of the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network, spoke about life’s speedbumps and how their journey may not be a straight line but that this was totally normal.

Dee Franssen, who has just finished her first year of a Bachelor of Education at TAFE Gippsland, had some encouraging words, as well as some practical tips on how to manage the university environment.

It was a timely discussion for both students and parents, filled with excitement and nerves as they embark on a new educational adventure.