While graduating from a university course is a proud moment for any student, it was the greatest sense of achievement for Maria Janabi and Ratachanee Chainuwong.
The pair were part of the first group of students to graduate with their Certificate in Liberal Studies, from the Clemente Program, which was launched by the University of Tasmania’s College of Arts, Law, and Education last year.
Originally from Iraq, Ms Janabi left school at fourteen, but always wanted to study more.
After immigrating to Tasmania four years ago, she enrolled in the Clemente course to help improve her English, to learn more, to get to know others in the community and most importantly to create a new chapter for herself.
This is a new story for me, the story of Maria. I want to keep going with study as it is something good for the future. One day I would like to have better English and have a job in the community working with people.
Thrilled at her achievement and being able to wear an academic gown, Mrs Chainwong from Thailand also said the Clemente Program had bought many positives to her life.
The course has given me the opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable of doing university study. Even though it just a taste of study, it is a really good start for those who aren’t confident.
Both students also agree that the benefits of the course run deeper than just the academic.
“It is like a family,” Ms Janabi said.
Designed to empower and inspire those most disadvantaged in the community, the Clemente Program is a community engagement and pathway program that aims to break the cycle of poverty, inequity and social injustice for Australians facing multiple disadvantages and social isolation.
Maria Janabi and Ratachanee Chainuwong
As part of the program, which was initiated by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) 13 years ago, students undertake four uniquely designed foundation level Arts units in indigenous studies, sociology, drawing and philosophy.
The College of Arts, Law and Education's Partnership Development Officer, Lorise Clark, said the program was a life changer for many of the students involved.
For a number of these students the Clemente Program has provided the confidence to make life-changing decisions. Many of these students have had little or no formal education, and may have experienced other disadvantages in their lives that may have interrupted their education.
“The program has given them the opportunity to connect with others through education and reconnect with learning, with many students indicating they are intending to go on to enrol in other University of Tasmania pathway programs.”