11 AusAid students say goodbye to UC

Graham Robinson

24 July 2008: “It is an experience that we will not forget.” That is how 11 University of Canberra AusAid students felt when given a farewell prior to their graduation later this month.

The students come from countries as diverse as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tanzania and Indonesia. They undertook Master’s in Public Administration to Laws and Human Resources.

Tanzanian born Rahima Dossa will graduate with a Masters in Public Administration and believed studying at the University of Canberra was a wonderful experience and gave her greater confidence in her own abilities.

“I hope to work in the public sector when I return home. The greatest problems facing my country are poverty and HIV-Aids. I hope to be able to now have some influence on the policies that are implemented in these areas,” she said.

The AusAid program aims to increase access to and the quality of education and training for people in partner countries. The scholarships provide educational, research and professional development opportunities.

Australian Leadership Award recipient Syed Hossain, completed a Masters in International Customs Law and Administration, was looking forward to getting back to Bangladesh and putting his new education into practice.

“I want to be able to become a better researcher and this Master does enable me to assist my country through greater knowledge and confidence me when I work with my peers,” he said.

The Australian Leadership Award Scholarship aims to develop leadership and build partnerships. They are intended for those who are already leaders or have the potential to assume leadership roles that can influence social or economic policy reform and development outcomes.

AusAid graduate's at a University of Canberra farewell celebration

The students will be graduating at a ceremony to be held at The Great Hall in Parliament House on Tuesday July 29.