Health & Community Graduates

Relocating to Australia as an international student, Rahul completed the Bachelor of Community Services and successfully launched his career in youth support services.

Back in India, community services and social work were not as developed, but I have always been passionate about helping others. That passion led me to study at Acknowledge Education, where the focus on human rights and meaningful impact truly stands out. The academic team and student services have been very supportive whenever I faced challenges. 

Varun grew up in a family that instilled in him the values of resilience and adaptability, essential for success in life. His upbringing also emphasized cultural pride and identity, fostering a strong, close-knit bond with his family.

When Varun began his Bachelor of Community Services, he knew his passion lay in Family Services. Today, he is a dedicated Family Services Case Manager at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) in Wangaratta, regional Victoria. In this role, Varun works within an integrated family services team to support Aboriginal individuals and families referred to the program. He collaborates closely with clients, key partners, and stakeholders to provide comprehensive support to Aboriginal children and families, addressing their specific needs.

Varun offers two key pieces of advice to aspiring students: build a professional network through LinkedIn, and prioritize self-care. "Helping those in need can be draining and impactful; you must take care of yourself to effectively care for others," he says.

Varun never forgets the supportive student services at Acknowledge Education that helped him during his studies. The institution assisted him in finding suitable and meaningful placements, which led to the job he loves today. Beyond his educational achievements, Varun serves as a youth representative for the Victorian Multicultural Commission and recently joined the board of a local youth organization, NESAY, aiming to improve the lives of youth in the area.

Varun's future is bright in a region known for its beautiful natural surroundings, multicultural environment, and abundant work opportunities. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and dedication.

As an international student, Jebet moved to Australia in 2017 from Kenya, enriching her perspective and enabling her to bring diverse insights to Velie Healthcare Services which Jebet is headed as CEO. She became an Australian citizen on May 22, 2024, in Camden municipality, Greater Western Sydney.

As the CEO of Velie Healthcare Services, a registered NDIS provider, Jebet leads a team dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health needs. Her family's values of compassion, empathy, and resilience, rooted in her cultural background, inspire her work and the inclusive, respectful principles of the organization.

Two significant achievements Jebet made after completing Bachelor of Community Services are:
1. Establishing Velie Healthcare Services as a trusted provider, which has been fulfilling due to the positive impact on clients.
2. Fostering a supportive, professional team environment, particularly for students from Acknowledge Education, providing growth opportunities.

Advice for aspiring students includes following your passion, gaining practical experience, continuous learning, building a strong network, and being resilient.

Living and studying in Australia offers numerous benefits such as high-quality education, cultural diversity, a high standard of living, work opportunities, natural beauty, research opportunities, and comprehensive student support services. Acknowledge Education helped me settle in through orientation programs, robust student support, cultural integration, language support, practical assistance, and community-building initiatives.

Looking ahead, Jebet aims to expand its services, enhance training and development, increase community outreach, and integrate new technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency for Velie Heatlhcare Services.

During and after my final placement at the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association in September, which Acknowledge Education helped to arrange, I have received offers to work on multiple projects and later got promoted to a full-time position. I have been working as a CHSP service coordinator and, at the same time, co-facilitating social groups for older people who live with dementia.

It was an honour for our group to receive a Community Grant from Maribyrnong Council where I had the privilege to meet Maribyrnong’s Mayor at the celebration event. It was such a rewarding journey at Acknowledge Education, where doors like these are opened and you can be sure that all the hard work will one day bear fruit.

The course at Acknowledge Education was very interesting because I learnt about many things that are currently happening in our community in Australia. The lecturers sharing their knowledge in their different fields of expertise gave me a better understanding of what working as a Community Service Worker entails.

As an international student, there were many community issues that I was not aware of until I studied the course, such as homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse and other challenges, and this has enabled me to be more aware of those around me who are going through some of these challenges. I also got to learn the history of Indigenous Australians, which gave me a better perspective on how these issues are often discussed in the media.

The support from our lecturers and support staff made the education journey at AE easier and more interesting. They demonstrated understanding and empathy for the students since, as international students, we go through many challenges that were especially elevated during the COVID lockdowns.

At 16, Shici moved from China to Australia to pursue her high school education. For five years, she lived with an Australian family, immersing herself in a new culture. This experience allowed her to embrace her true self, feeling understood and accepted like never before.

In Australia, Shici found the freedom to define herself beyond traditional frameworks, while still valuing her family's unwavering support. Inspired by her Buddhist faith’s emphasis on inclusiveness and empathy, she chose to study the Bachelor of Community Services at Acknowledge Education.

After graduating in 2023, Shici began her career with the Victorian State Government as a Child Protection Case Practice Support Worker. Through dedication and hands-on experience supporting vulnerable children and families, she progressed into her current role as a Child Protection Practitioner.

Today, Shici is also furthering her professional journey by studying the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at AE, strengthening her expertise to continue advancing within the child protection sector.

Reflecting on her time at Acknowledge Education, Shici credits her lecturers for their unwavering support, patience, and guidance. Their encouragement laid a strong foundation for her professional confidence and career progression.

Her advice to future students:
“Be enthusiastic and sincere about your profession. It is incredibly rewarding to use your knowledge and skills to support families and children in need.”

Kirandeep’s time at Acknowledge Education has equipped her with essential skills, including critical thinking, research, and cultural awareness. This foundation has significantly boosted her employability and fostered resilience and independence, crucial for adapting to life in Australia. Career services sharpened her resume and job search skills, while language classes enhanced her communication. Cultural exchange programs and international support provided valuable cross-cultural skills and guidance for living overseas, laying a solid foundation for personal growth and academic success.

Now working as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse at Sacred Heart Community in Melbourne, Kirandeep administers medications, monitors health, provides wound care, and conducts health assessments.

Raised with values of integrity, hard work, and compassion, Kirandeep’s cultural traditions instilled a strong sense of identity and community. Celebrating festivals and maintaining close-knit relationships taught her respect and resilience, shaping her character.

Kirandeep is proud of achieving job satisfaction and career growth through a well-earned promotion. She also cherishes her role in strengthening family bonds and supporting loved ones, thanks to a supportive husband.

To aspiring nursing students, Kirandeep advises prioritizing passion, dedication, strong communication, and empathy. Self-care, staying updated on medical advancements, and gaining practical experience are crucial.
She aims to pursue advanced certifications, diverse clinical experiences, and leadership roles. Continuous education, professional networking, community health initiatives, and advocacy are her priorities. Ultimately, she aspires to mentor future nurses and influence healthcare policies, becoming a registered nurse.

Australia’s excellent healthcare system, high living standards, and diverse society make it an ideal place for Kirandeep and her family's future. She is preparing for permanent residency or citizenship, aiming for a fulfilling life in Australia.

Danuka's journey began on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, in a family deeply rooted in healthcare. With a physiotherapist father and a cardiographer mother, hospitals were a familiar backdrop. Initially, he chose a different path in Business and Finance. After moving to Australia post-school, he worked in retail sales but soon realized his heart wasn't in it.

The onset of COVID-19 was a turning point. Witnessing the urgent need for healthcare professionals, Danuka made a bold decision to enroll in a Diploma of Nursing. The coursework was challenging, but stepping onto a ward for the first time, he knew he had found his calling. In Australia, he gained access to cutting-edge knowledge and technology, instrumental in his training.
Despite the difficulties of studying during Melbourne's lockdowns, Danuka appreciated the online support he received. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, advising aspiring nurses to be proactive during placements. "Show your worth, listen, and learn," he urges.

Now an Enrolled Nurse at Orbost Regional Health, 375 kilometers east of Melbourne, Danuka is recognized as a valuable asset. "Caring for people makes you feel very happy. They are so thankful," he shares. "In a small community, you get to know the patients and staff, which is wonderful."

Excited for his next challenge, Danuka is set to begin his Bachelor of Nursing this July, aiming to become a Registered Nurse. Having gained Permanent Residency through a skilled migration program, he plans to stay in Australia indefinitely, committed to advancing his skills and continuing his impactful work.

Danuka's story is a testament to following one's passion, adapting to new challenges, and the profound fulfillment that comes from caring for others.

I am thrilled to offer my heartfelt testimonial as a student currently studying the Diploma of Nursing. The program has been a transformative journey, as it not only honed my crucial clinical skills but also instilled in me the profound essence of compassion and empathy, embodying the true spirit of nursing.

The teachers’ dedication to teaching extends beyond the textbooks, as they consistently emphasize the human side of nursing. The emphasis on understanding patients' emotions, fears, and struggles has been transformative.

Moreover, the school environment played a significant role in my development. The open conversation and supportive atmosphere allowed me to thrive and grow both personally and professionally. It fostered a sense of belonging and provided a platform for continuous improvement. This inclusive atmosphere has encouraged me to voice my thoughts confidently, further enhancing my learning experience.

I am proud to share that my dedication and growth during this course have led to receiving job offers on my placements and achieving recognition from work. The hands-on experience and the nurturing learning environment at the school have been instrumental in my professional development.

In conclusion, the Diploma of Nursing program has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and compassion needed to excel in the nursing profession. I am excited to embark on this rewarding career, knowing that my education has prepared me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.