Date Issued: 24 May 2005

IDP names peace scholars of the year

A Mexican student studying at the University of Ballarat and a Cambodian student studying at the University of Tasmania have been awarded the IDP Vodafone Peace Scholarship Student of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by UniWIRELESS in association with Vodafone.

The recipients are Claudia Olivares Morante from the Universidad Pedagogica Nacional in Mexico, and Pheakkdey “KD” Nguon from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The two winners were awarded $800 each.

The award aims to recognise the achievements, experiences and contributions of Peace Scholarship recipients to their university and/or community in Australia, centred on this year’s theme of ‘Uniting Cultures at Australian Universities’. To mark the resounding success of the inaugural year of the Peace Scholarship Program, all scholarship recipients – 63 in total from six countries – had the opportunity to showcase and reflect on their experiences in Australia.

Applicants had to illustrate an active interest in the Australian community beyond their own cultural ethnic group through contributions to the community or participation in relevant activities. Applicants were also encouraged to demonstrate how they plan to use their experiences in Australia to contribute to their home communities when they return, thus building on the purpose of the Peace Scholarship Program – to build global peace and understanding through international education.

When award winner KD Nguon first arrived in Hobart, the Tasmania Multicultural Week was in full swing. All international students at the University of Tasmania were encouraged to participate in activities – including the international parade – to represent their countries and cultures.

“Though I was the only Cambodian student here at that time, I was determined to join the parade to represent my country, culture and traditions,” KD said. “I think it was a great beginning in terms of linking my culture with others because I definitely needed to identify my culture in order to make connections with others.”

During his stay in Australia, KD had unique and unforgettable experiences. He was featured in an article in The Mercury, the Tasmanian newspaper, last November. He visited the Tasmanian Parliament House for a dinner organised by Oxfam International, an organisation that promotes global citizenship. And he volunteered with the Samaritan’s Purse organisation to send Christmas gifts to children in poor countries.

“As an individual, I have grown a lot from this scholarship,” KD said. “I am more mature, responsible and caring, so that I can be a better son, student and citizen. In fact, I am applying to be a volunteer in the Samaritan’s Purse in Cambodia so that I can help people – particularly children in need. I believe even a little thing might be a great relief and joy for some people in other parts of the world.”

Claudia Olivares Morante was anxious to learn about Australian culture, and thought there was no better way than involving herself in volunteer work. During her first semester in Ballarat, Claudia began working for PINARC, an organisation that provides opportunities to children with developmental concerns and disabilities. She participated in a recreation program for children and teenagers to help them with activities, such as fishing and swimming. She also spent a week entertaining and caring for children at a summer camp – an experience she said was both challenging and ‘heaps of fun’.

Claudia plans to continue her experiences volunteering with PINARC when she leaves Australia. “I want to use my work with special kids to do the same in Mexico, since working with these kids inspires me to do better,” she said.

Claudia has actively immersed herself in uniting cultures. She’s thrown Mexican-themed parties to show off her nation’s traditions, where special touches included Mexican food, a piñata, and Claudia in her Mexican dress. She has been actively involved with the international office at Ballarat, helping to officially mentor new international students and integrate them into campus and social life. During the university’s Chinese New Year celebrations, Claudia coordinated the performing arts aspect of the evening – ensuring a performance of Latin and Mexican music were part of the festivities.

At an exposition in Brisbane, Claudia fell in love with Aboriginal art, which inspired her to take up painting. “Someday when I am an expert in this art, I will make paintings of Aboriginal art with Mexican things,” she added.

Both recipients happily accepted their awards during the first annual awards ceremony, held at IDP’s offices in Sydney. The three other finalists were also present: Diego Valles from Mexico, studying at University of Technology, Sydney; Gaby Mayorga from Mexico, studying at James Cook University; and Mariana Trevino from Mexico, studying at Griffith University. The three finalists were each awarded $300.

KD acknowledged all the contributions and efforts made by the sponsors and IDP staff in launching the Peace Scholarship Trust, saying, “We really appreciate your efforts and sponsorship because it is obvious that we would not be able to come and study here without your support.”

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IDP Education Australia is a world leader in international education and development services. Owned by Australia's universities and representing all education sectors, IDP has been the driving force and key contributor towards the Peace Scholarship Trust, providing both financial and administrative support. The Peace Scholarship Program aims to promote global peace and understanding through international education experiences, and the Trust provides scholarships for meritorious and deserving students from around the world. For more information, visit www.idp.com/pst.