Refugee Week celebrations at The University of Queensland’s Gatton campus recently welcomed 35 refugee high school students from Iraq, Syria, South Sudan and DR Congo.
The students, who are currently attending Year 11 and 12 at Harristown State High School in Toowoomba, were treated to an eye-opening day of presentations, campus culture and a tour of Gatton campus’s animal life, crops and glasshouses.
UQ’s Associate Professor Joerg Henning, who coordinated the visit on behalf of the UQ Cultural Inclusion Council, said the event held on 23 June aimed to strengthen ties with the local refugee community.
“We really connected with these kids, showing them just what university life is all about,” Dr Henning said.
“Students had an opportunity to learn all about UQ College and its English language training and the Tertiary Preparation Program, while the UQ Sponsored Student Unit advised them about UQ refugee and humanitarian scholarships and the UQ admission process.
“UQ Skills also talked to them about flexible pathways for rural and animal industry educational programs.
“But it wasn’t all work – students also enjoyed a tour of our beautiful Gatton campus and had the chance to relax in the Gatton Chill area, play their traditional music, perform their traditional dances and everyone was treated to some delicious, traditional Afghani sweets.”
The event also hosted support stalls set up by Multicultural Australia and Access Community Services, providing information to UQ staff and students about their great work.
Dr Henning believes it’s imperative for UQ to play a key role in supporting students from refugee backgrounds.
“Students from refugee backgrounds are a diverse cohort, and may have been exposed to losses, persecution, displacement and a complex resettlement process,” Dr Henning said.
“Supporting these students is a priority for UQ, offering opportunities for them to improve their English, whilst supporting their education and training them to reach their personal and employment goals.
“We’re excited to now be working with Harristown SHS in Toowoomba to establish an ongoing relationship with UQ and its Gatton campus, potentially holding similar events several times during the year.”
Participating students raved about their visit to UQ’s Gatton campus, with Avin, Year 11, enjoying the opportunity to express her culture.
“My favourite part of the day was sitting together in the sun, showing our cultural dance to the teachers and everyone else,” she said.
Fellow student Issa, also Year 11, saw that tertiary education might be in her future.
“It was an amazing day,” she said.
“In the future I would like to become a nurse, so I’m trying to the find the best place to study – I’m thinking that would be UQ.
“My favourite part of the day was hearing all of the presentations – about English courses and study pathways – and learning about university.”
Media: Joerg Henning, j.henning@uq.edu.au, +61 5460 1846; Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
