Student supports win state award

BENDIGO Kangan Institute has had their efforts to support multicultural students recognised at a state level.

The local education provider won the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in Education in the Vocational Education and Training category last week.

The awards were coordinated by the Victorian Multicultural Commission on behalf of the Victorian Government, with the accolade presented at Government House.

Bendigo Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said she was honoured by the win.

“We’re thrilled to be recognised at the 2021 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence and we congratulate all the winners and finalists who have demonstrated an incredible passion for strengthening multiculturalism across Victoria,” she said.

“The awards highlight the importance of incorporating social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding in everything we do.

“We all can and must play a part in this as individuals and as organisations.”

The award recognised the institution’s Wrap Around program which includes a virtual campus community developed for international students during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage peer-to-peer connection and provide an outlet for them to express their difficulties.

More than 110 international students have used the virtual campus so far.

“The impact of COVID-19 on our international student community has been and continues to be immense,” Ms Curtain said.

“Our students are the central focus of what we do and supporting their emerging needs is always a top priority.

“Through our virtual campus we were able to identify several wellbeing challenges faced by our international students and implement vital support, including a virtual food relief program, an internship program, virtual fitness sessions, establishment of a Student Working Group and more.”

The Wrap Around program also includes specialist services like healthcare, legal and youth programs for newly arrived migrant students through partnerships with Services Australia, Arabic Welfare, Northern Community Legal Centre, Asthma Australia and more.

“It’s about reducing barriers to entry,” Ms Curtain said. “The program acts as a one-stop-shop for students to access education and other essential services so they can focus on building a new future here in Australia.

“The program continues to evolve in line with current needs so it’s always fit for purpose.”