Minister for Education, James Merlino, today launched a new scholarship program supporting refugee students on their journey to mainstream schools.
Retired Ascot Vale West Primary principal Mrs Beth Malouf donated $5000 towards the scholarships to support the development of refugee students.
The Department of Education and Training contributed a further $15,000 to ensure that all four of Victoria’s English Language Schools receives $5000 each to award to their refugee students.
Mrs Malouf of East Keilor has seen considerable cultural changes in schools since she started teaching in 1963. By the time she retired in 2013 there were 27 different nationalities at her school, including many from refugee backgrounds.
Mr Merlino thanked Mrs Malouf for her remarkable service and her generous donation.
The scholarships were launched during Refugee Week at the Collingwood English Language School, where students learn the English language skills they need to enter mainstream primary and secondary schools.
Earlier this week, Mr Merlino launched an educational guide for schools to further support students and families from refugee backgrounds.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino
“Mrs Malouf is a testament of the great teachers in our community who keep on giving to the students and families of Victoria.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to contribute to Mrs Malouf’s kind donation and establish an ongoing scholarship program that supports refugee students.”
“Adjusting to a new life can be very difficult, especially when coming from a refugee background, and these scholarships will make a difference to the future of refugee students and their families.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020