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Scholarship supports learning to help others
Moving to Australia meant asking for a lot of help for Astri Candrarini and now with three diplomas, a scholarship and another qualification pending, she’s proudly using her skills and knowledge to support other migrants.
In 2016, Astri arrived in Australia from Indonesia with her new husband and daughter, when she quickly completed the Adult Migrant Education Program (AMEP).
Fast forward to 2023, and Astri has achieved a Diploma of Human Resources Management (BSB50320) and a Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT50422), Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) and recently secured a TAFE Queensland Scholarship to support her study of a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116).
“AMEP changed my life,” Astri said.
“Without AMEP I would never have been able to go this far. There are so many wonderful teachers who encouraged me.”
Using her Indonesian Building and Design Engineering qualifications and Master Degree qualification, and the knowledge and skills she’s learnt while studying at TAFE Queensland, Astri hopes to be able to become qualified as a teacher to support other migrants just like her.
“I want to be able to teach, especially migrants and women. I want to empower women so they know that nothing is impossible. If you really want it, you can get it – nothing is impossible,” she said.
“I hope with all the experience I have that I will be able to put it all together and be a good teacher.”
This year, Astri’s hard work was acknowledged by TAFE Queensland when she received a TAFE Queensland Merit Scholarship.
Scholarships help cover the costs of course fees, text books and living expenses. The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program awards each recipient $5,000 to study any Certificate III through to an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree at any of our over 60 campuses locations.
There are two types of scholarships available, one being Merit scholarships aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers. The second are Access and Equity scholarships designed to help students who are battling social or financial hardship.
“Receiving a scholarship has eased the financial pressure and is allowing me to support my own daughter to further her education at university.”
“I can’t thank TAFE Queensland enough. Moving to a new country is not easy – I have climbed my way up little bit by little bit, and here I am now. I just want to build my life and inspire other migrants," she said.
Watch Astri Candrarini's story