Update from volunteer Joan Sweet

Long-time volunteer at Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, Joan Sweet, shares her reflections with us about the college and its students: 

Graduates at Wontulp-Bi-Buya College. ©Joan Sweet 2015

I have just returned from Wontulp-Bi-Buya where I have volunteered in the classroom for the past seven years.

I think you know how much I have gained from these study blocks and I am sad now to see the many difficulties the College is now facing.

The College is in financial crisis since Government withheld funding, key staff members are leaving, registration and course accreditation upgrades create enormous workloads.

The College has grown so much and it would be such a shame if it cannot overcome the many issues to continue to produce leaders who can and do make a difference in their communities from the inside.

Last month all students from remote communities had to be contacted at the last minute and told not to come and only a small group of local and Yarrabah students could attend and with no accommodation they worked in a back room of the office, outside and in the back of the Lutheran church.

I was working mostly with a young man who had lost his speech through a stroke but was still keen to study, listen, read and write his answers with some encouragement.

On behalf of all students I have seen grow in confidence and graduate, can I recommend the contribution they have made and their appeal for funds to continue.

With regards,

Joan Sweet
21st May 2015

 

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