Adult leaner scores scholarship

SINCE moving to Ballarat three years ago, Alaya Begum has been exposed to many new experiences.

She moved here from Bangladesh in late 2019, and since then she’s started learning English, gotten her first job, and taken on a community volunteer role with the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre.

Now her efforts have seen her rewarded with a scholarship as part of the recent Adult Learners Week.

As part of the $1000 scholarship, Ms Begum can put the money towards any aspect of her learning, and she said she already knows where she’ll use it.

“I’ll spend it to learn how to drive. This will be my first time learning it. It was different in Bangladesh, and it’s too hard waiting for public transport and that loss of time,” she said.

“I like trying new things. I’m feeling good and excited for my future.”

Ms Begum aims to start her newest learning experience once she returns from visiting family later in the year.

She currently undertakes language classes through Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services’ Adult Migrant English Pogram.

Ms Begum was nominated by her teacher Suzanne Gatz, who said she was inspired by Ms Begum’s willingness to learn.

“It’s always the first time for Alaya but she’s not afraid to try. She’s a quiet person but very courageous to put herself out every time into a new situation,” Ms Gatz said.

“Sometimes you’ll offer an opportunity to students and they’ll be indifferent but Alaya will be like ‘yes, I want to try that’.”