Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Australian Government. They offer the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development. Since 1973, Australia has worked with Vietnam to provide scholarships to outstanding Vietnamese students, helping Vietnam to build its human resources. The new scholars are the latest of over 6,000 Vietnamese students who have received Australian Government scholarships.
Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Karen Lanyon and three Vietnamese disabled Australia Awards awardees
“This remarkable group of young and talented students will soon enjoy a world-class education and great life experience in Australia. However, what they do and achieve during their studies in Australia is only the first step in their success. The most important thing is that upon their return to Vietnam they will use the knowledge and skills acquired in Australia to contribute to the development of Vietnam and mutually beneficial linkages between our two countries,” said HE Mr Craig Chittick, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.
The Australian Government actively encourages and supports people with disabilities, from disadvantaged rural areas and from ethnic minorities to participate in the Australia Awards. As a result, this group of awardees includes three people with disability and four from ethnic minority groups.
“The Australia Awards Scholarship will empower me to fulfill my dream. As a visually impaired person, I understand the challenges people with disability must overcome to realize their full potential and live productive lives. Thus, after I return home to Vietnam, I intend to use my knowledge and experience in Australia to establish a centre to provide mental health counseling services for people with disability and other vulnerable groups,” commented Huynh Huu Canh, an awardee who will study for a Master of Social Work at Flinders University.
Ms. Karen Lanyon and Vietnamese Australia Awards recipients
Australia is recognized internationally as a leader in disability-inclusive development within its aid program. The Development for All 2015-2020: Strategy for strengthening disability-inclusive development in Australia’s aid program commits Australia to ensuring that its international advocacy, diplomatic efforts and aid program investments help to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in developing countries such as Vietnam.
Australia is a leading provider of scholarships to Vietnam. The Australia Awards Scholarships are part of a broader investment by the Australian Government – Aus4Skills, which includes Australia Awards Short Courses and informal learning opportunities to address knowledge and skills gaps to help Vietnam realise its aspirations to become a prosperous and socially inclusive country.
Applications for the 2018 round of Australia Awards Scholarships will open on 1 February 2018 and close on 30 April 2018.
Reported by Van Anh-Thu Nguyen