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12 July 2023
Graduating with a Science degree in 2020, Tina stood proudly, knowing that she had defied the odds stacked against her.
Tina was seven years old when she connected with The Smith Family. By that time, she’d already experienced more hardship than most people would in a lifetime. Having fled war in their country of birth, Tina and her twin sister Neema were separated. Their mother was killed in conflict.
Tina spent her formative years in a refugee camp not knowing if she’d see Neema again. On arriving in Australia, her wishes came true. She was overjoyed to be reunited with her twin. With her Dad and six siblings, Tina began a life in Australia and got stuck into her new source of excitement: learning.
She joined the Learning for Life program in Year 2. The program has supported her through her schooling and into university.
Tina’s desire to learn was strong. The Learning for Life sponsorship gave Tina access to the learning essentials that all children deserve, and tailored educational support so Tina could catch up and keep up in class. This helped give Tina the same opportunity as her classmates – to get the most out of her education and build a bright future.
“I had an amazing sponsor. Their letters were really meaningful to me. They would encourage me, and tell me how amazing I was doing,”
Like all parents, Tina’s father wanted this opportunity for his children. “Education is really important to my family. When we were young, my father preached the importance of education to my siblings and me. He is a huge part of where I am today,” Tina says.
“Being a single parent and looking after six kids was hard for my father. The Smith Family helped by taking the pressure off him and allowing him to have peace of mind that our education would be supported.
“When I was at school sponsorship helped in terms of things like books and uniforms. I used to go to Learning Clubs which were great. I even won a writing contest and got a free book! Once I reached university the sponsorship money helped me buy a laptop.”
For Tina, a world of opportunity opened-up through education. She felt encouraged by her community, her family and her sponsor.
“I had an amazing sponsor. Their letters were really meaningful to me. They would encourage me, and tell me how amazing I was doing,” says Tina.
Tina is inspired by her own lived experiences. She understands the barriers to accessing the vital essentials all students need to participate in their education, and how it can feel to arrive to a new country as a young person.
She also understands how it can then feel to have the support of a sponsor and community, encouraging you and helping provide what you need to thrive at school.
“I grew up in a refugee camp with no access to education,” Tina says. “Having The Smith Family and the support of my sponsor come into my life was so significant. They were with me from Grade Two to all the way through university. Today, I am who I am because of The Smith Family and their supporters.”
These experiences have inspired Tina. With a drive to give back, Tina took on a degree in Science, specialising in public health. Today, she’s in her element as a case manager for young people newly-arrived in Australia, passing on the power of education to others entering school in a new country.
“As a case manager, I provide support for newly arrived students and young people from all walks of life, coaching and advocating for them, because they’re our future leaders. A lot of young people are struggling, and I’m passionate about lightening their load.”
"For young people, it's about getting up in the morning and knowing that there's education and opportunities available to you - and that you have a future. The Smith Family gives you that – their support is life-changing".
