The Annual Alumni Networking Event was recently held to celebrate the return of the 2021 Australia Awards graduates and to welcome them into the Alumni network. This was followed by the announcement of the prestigious Alumnus of the Year Award 2022.
The Australia Awards Scholarships are international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders for development. Australia Awards aim to develop capacity and leadership skills so that individuals can contribute to development in their home country. As well as build people-to-people links at the individual, institutional and country level.
The Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Her Excellency Heidi Bootle, congratulated the graduates on their ambition, determination and resilience to complete their degrees. Particularly during the full impact of COVID-19.
“As you know, we choose our Australia Awards Scholars very carefully so you are all part of a very honoured group” said High Commissioner Heidi Bootle.
The graduates were acknowledged for their completed studies in key fields aligned to the Vanuatu Sustainable Development Plan 2030 and the Vanuatu Human Resource Plan. Including biosecurity, commerce, development studies, education, international relations and law. Of the 15 graduates, 6 completed a postgraduate degree and 9 completed at an undergraduate level.
The Annual Alumni Networking Event is an opportunity for past and present Australia Awards recipients to strengthen their networks and connections. Assisting graduates to achieve their goals and contribute towards the development of Vanuatu.