By CASEY NEILL
AQEEL Jaffari used the money he saved for his TAFE course to travel to Pakistan following a bomb blast just a kilometre from his family’s home.
“When I see the news or social media always the pictures target killing, killing killing…” he said.
“My health is suffering, knowing that my family is in constant danger.
“At the start of this year I decided to go and see my family and friends, my community.
“I’m always thinking about them.”
The Dandenong 20-year-old was desperate to continue with his studies rather than defer for a year to again save enough for his fees.
He successfully applied for a Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation scholarship.
“I was so happy, because I don’t want to leave my study,” he said.
“I want to do something for myself and for my community.
“I’m very thankful. This course is the foundation for my future.”
Mr Jaffari was born in Afghanistan, where his parents were killed when he was five years old.
He moved to Pakistan with his uncle and then to Australia with his step brother in 2010.
He went to Noble Park Language School and completed Year 10 at Dandenong High School and VCAL Year 11 in business at Chisholm.
He’s now studying VCAL Year 12 in business, working at Coles from 8am to midnight every weekday, starting classes at 8.30am, and studying on weekends.
“This year I want to improve my English language and writing skills,” he said.
Mr Jaffari plans to apply for the police force next year, or continue business studies at university.
“Everyone has a dream job. When I was a kid I wanted to be a police officer,” he said.
The not-for-profit Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation awarded its first scholarships in 2007 – seven of them.
This year’s first scholarship round attracted 140 applications and 70 students were successful.
Foundation executive officer Kate Hulusi said the aim was to help disadvantaged students enter vocational education and graduate with a trade or skill.
“The demand’s getting bigger,” she said.
“Our role is to help as many as possible.”
The foundation relies solely on donations and all funds raised are distributed to students.
Ms Hulusi said applicants included family violence victims, single parents, refugees and people mental and physical disabilities.
“Anyone can be in a situation they didn’t plan to be,” she said.
“It doesn’t mean they’re not academically gifted.
“Some have gone on to win state and federal awards.”
The scholarships can cover course fees, material fees, travel costs or all three and provide students with a pathway. Donations are tax deductable.
“Wouldn’t it be great to give to a local charity that does so much good?” Ms Hulusi said.
The second scholarship round is open until 21 June.
Application forms are available at www.carolinechisholm.org.au.
