Taster courses leading to changed lives

Inverell Community College student Kylie Mahon has been awarded a National Adult Learners Week Scholarship for 2019.

Three $1,000 ALW2019 scholarships were awarded to outstanding adult learners to enable them to continue learning by either taking a new learning pathway or continuing an existing one. The scholarship allows adult learning providers around Australia to celebrate the life changing power of adult learning by nominating adult learners whose commitment and motivation makes them stand out from their peers.

ALA were looking for learners for whom learning has made a big difference in their lives—someone who may have overcome a significant barrier in order to get started or who still faces challenges in continuing to learn.

• Tania identified Kylie would fit perfectly into the world of community services and enrolled her in the Certificate III in Community Services. Kylie had spent the previous year with her five children living in a Sydney refuge after becoming homeless. Deciding to give her family a fresh new start and a better quality of life, they relocated to Inverell where they could access affordable housing.

  Enrolling at the Community College with very little confidence, Kylie soon became an extremely valuable class member and a highly respected student amongst her peers. She was an unassuming student who excelled in her study and work placement achievements. Working hard to reach her goals in class whilst supporting her five children as a single mum didn’t seem to daunt Kylie in the slightest. If anything, it seemed to make her more determined to succeed for her children and her personal growth through her VET education journey.

• After a positive adult learning experience, Kylie’s life has dramatically improved. Her hard work has paid off and she is now employed by Pathfinders. Finding a meaningful career where she can share her knowledge and personal experience is helping Kylie make a positive impact whilst being able to support her family.

  Kylie is an active and respected member of the local homelessness action groups in Inverell. She is now a positive role model not only to her family but also within her own community.

  Kylie’s advice to others is "Don’t hesitate, have a go and take the plunge! Open that door because on the other side of that door is amazing. Life is great! Go and see the Inverell Community College. They really do help change lives."

  
  

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