By CASEY NEILL
A DEADLY disaster sent Joseph Manuel Kierulf on a mission to better himself.
He’s now living in Noble Park, studying a Diploma in Hospitality and Diploma in Management at Chisholm Institute in Dandenong, and is a finalist for a Victorian International Education Award.
On 1 December Joseph will find out if he’s the International Student of the Year in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) category.
The nomination recognised his fund-raising efforts for the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation and volunteer work at the Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show – and puts him in the running for a $10,000 scholarship to contribute to his studies in Victoria.
“I am deeply honoured and happy. I never imagined that I could be chosen as a finalist for this prestigious award,” Joseph said.
“After Typhoon Haiyan struck my home town in Cebu, Philippines, I decided that I wanted to better myself.
“I made the decision to come and study in Australia because the education system here is among the best in the world and it is easy for me to communicate in English.”
The Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation helps students through a scholarship program.
“I had heard the story of Caroline Chisholm and was deeply moved by her,” he said.
“I have volunteered my time this year and last year for this foundation.”
At the Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show he helped with preparation for the Laucke Creative Kitchen.
“There was a total of 52 shows over three days in the creative kitchen,” he said.
“At the Sydney show I prepped and set up the stage for Karen Martini.
“After completing my studies I plan to work in the hospitality industry.
“My career goal is to become a hospitality manager.
“I want to practice what I have learnt in the industry here in Australia in my home country.”
Training and Skills Minister Steve Herbert said all student award recipients would become ambassadors of the State Government’s Study Melbourne initiative and help promote the state as a leading international education destination.
“International education is a vital part of Victoria’s economy and these awards will help showcase the fantastic results that can be achieved from studying at a Victorian university or vocational education provider,” Mr Herbert said.
