College first funds scholarships

BALLARAT Clarendon College has helped mark Reconciliation Week with a twenty-four-hour fundraising effort with money going towards the establishment of scholarships for Indigenous students.

The online donation event went took place over 24 hours in late May and raised over $200,000.

The drive marks Clarendon College’s first-ever annual giving day, which deputy-principal Jen Bourke said is one of many goals as part of the school’s reconciliation action plan.

“This all really begins eighteen months ago when we established our reconciliation action group of staff and students,” she said.

“Over those months we’ve worked towards our plan, and as part of it we’ve organised this scholarship drive in the hopes of making sure our school is a safe place and culturally respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”

“We’re hoping to be able to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access the education that we have to offer, to allow students to learn here when they may not have been able to otherwise.”

It’s estimated the funds raised will be able to provide two Indigenous scholarships covering years 7 to 12.

The group has consulted with Aboriginal organisations in developing the action plan and will collaborate further when selecting their scholarship recipients.

About eight students comprise the school’s action group and member Thomas Lin, who is a scholarship recipient himself, said he’s excited to see the same chances given to First Nations students.

“I think this is going to give our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a load more opportunities to have a Clarendon education like us,” he said.

Another member, Jenul Jayakoduiarachchigedom, said it’s important to demonstrate inclusivity within the college.

“I don’t think we have any Indigenous students right now, so increasing diversity is a big first for the school,” he said.

“If we’re going to change out there in the world, we’ve got to change in here first.”