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View all programs Iesha’s dad encouraged her to do what he couldn’t – and her sponsor helped her succeed
13 September 2024
Iesha’s dad had to leave school in Year 6, due to war in his homeland of Lebanon. Later, he came to Australia as a refugee. He worked three jobs before suffering a devastating workplace accident. Sadly, ever since, the disabling injury and his disrupted education have restricted the work he’s been able to do. This has had a big impact on Iesha.
As Iesha transitioned into her senior years and planned for university, much of her schoolwork moved online. Like everything else, education has been changed so much by technology. Digital tools are now a fundamental part of learning, especially for high school students like Iesha.
As Iesha transitioned into her senior years and planned for university, much of her schoolwork moved online. Like everything else, education has been changed so much by technology. Digital tools are now a fundamental part of learning, especially for high school students like Iesha.
But restricted by her monthly internet plan, Iesha couldn’t fully participate in learning. “I only had a few gigabytes to use each month and when they would run out, I'd have to wait for the next month,” Iesha recalls.
Iesha’s parents found it really tough trying to provide her with the financial and learning support that she needed to do her best at school. Her father was still physically hampered and unable to support his family.
But Iesha’s parents never gave up on the bright future they had planned for her. They were connected with The Smith Family Learning for Life program. This helps unlock additional support to equip Iesha for school.
Iesha’s parents found it really tough trying to provide her with the financial and learning support that she needed to do her best at school. Her father was still physically hampered and unable to support his family.
But Iesha’s parents never gave up on the bright future they had planned for her. They were connected with The Smith Family Learning for Life program. This helps unlock additional support to equip Iesha for school.
My dad gave me that extra push with my education because he didn't have an education, so he wanted me to have it. I look up to my dad because he inspires me to keep learning and to implement something in the world.
It was such a relief that she could access our Digital Learning Essentials program thanks to her sponsorship. Sponsorship has helped unlock free internet, calls and texts for Iesha through Donate Your Data®, an Optus initiative. “I no longer had to worry as I was able to have internet and access to it at any time that I needed it,” she says.
In addition, the financial assistance sponsorship provides was a lifeline, covering her books, uniforms and excursions. Because Iesha had the learning essentials her peers had, she could fit in and focus on her studies. “It took that strain off my family,” she says.
In addition, the financial assistance sponsorship provides was a lifeline, covering her books, uniforms and excursions. Because Iesha had the learning essentials her peers had, she could fit in and focus on her studies. “It took that strain off my family,” she says.
Iesha is very thankful that she has successfully completed Year 12 with her parents and sponsor cheering her on. “I can see clearly how my sponsor changed things for my family,” she says. “It’s given me so many opportunities other students might not have, and I'm so grateful for that.”
Today, Iesha is studying a Bachelor of Laws at university. “I absolutely love it,” she says. “My dream is to represent people who are at a disadvantage because I was at a disadvantage once in my life.”
One day soon, Iesha will use her education to promote the rights and freedoms of those facing hardship. Maybe even refugees like her dad. She's so grateful for what her parents have helped her achieve in partnership with her sponsor. It's such an extraordinary legacy. “I want to say thank you to my sponsor for making a difference in my life and in the life of my parents,” she says. “Without their support, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dream.”
Today, Iesha is studying a Bachelor of Laws at university. “I absolutely love it,” she says. “My dream is to represent people who are at a disadvantage because I was at a disadvantage once in my life.”
One day soon, Iesha will use her education to promote the rights and freedoms of those facing hardship. Maybe even refugees like her dad. She's so grateful for what her parents have helped her achieve in partnership with her sponsor. It's such an extraordinary legacy. “I want to say thank you to my sponsor for making a difference in my life and in the life of my parents,” she says. “Without their support, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dream.”
Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2024 edition of Real People, Real Stories
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