Refugee students awarded Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Scholarships

Ten Hunter students, who came to Australia as refugees, have received education scholarships as part of the $30,000 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF) grant.

Offering $3000 to each student, the NPCF and the Mentor Support Network (MSN) virtually presented the students with the scholarships via a digital presentation that was broadcast live on Facebook, replacing the live ceremony due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Each student was given the opportunity to create a short video outlining their journey; this will be published on Facebook in the coming days.

The scholarship enables the students to purchase essential items such as a laptop and a uniform for school. The students will also partake in a career program that involves a 13-week mentoring program and an individualised career assessment, designed to improve career pathways after school.

Chair of MSN, Jon Chin said the refugee specific program was established after it became evident that these students faced more challenges outside their reach than other students.

“MSN awarded 45 scholarships last month to students whose family financial situation might prevent them from completing their educational goals. Some students from refugee families face additional challenges such as having to learn English and face vastly different cultural challenges.”

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Phil Neat said the scholarships offer an opportunity to these students that have faced hard challenges.

“Each scholarship is an investment in the future of these students, their families and our community. Despite
the challenges posed by current circumstances, the Charitable Foundation Board is proud to take the opportunity to celebrate the potential of each of our 10 recipients,” Phil said.