Having recognised the challenges faced by fellow international students and Alumni at James Cook University in Australia, GIS Alumna (Class of 1999) Frances Helena Kelleway was recently recognised in a local Australian newspaper for her involvement in an initiative to support those who have been left with limited resources as a result of Covid-19.
It was found that a number of international students and alumni at James Cook University in Queensland, where Helena is currently studying for her Masters in Public Health and Disaster Health Management, had been left struggling to buy food, many unable to apply for government assistance after losing their part time jobs. Thus, a programme that offers nutritious meals to the community has been warmly received.
Helena tells us more:
Earlier in the year, a number of James Cook University alumni, many of whom now live in other states across Australia, confided in me that lockdown restrictions and a reduction in financial support from their families overseas meant that they were struggling to feed themselves and their families. I conducted some further research and found this to be a problem affecting many of the university’s current students.
Determined to support those in need, I contacted local business owners with a proposal: to pull together resources and provide free nutritious meals for international students. Eight weeks later, and we are still providing a multicultural menu of meals each week.
What initially began as a feeding programme has evolved into an opportunity for international students, many of whom are thousands of kilometers from home, not only to experience different types of food, but also to connect with others from different nationalities. I realised that some students were coming to Australia for the first time, to experience a new culture, a new way of life and to meet new students. Unfortunately, the pandemic initially meant that they were not able to do any of these things. The feeding programme has gone some way to enable these experiences, with a social distance of 1.5 metres of course!
The programme relies on good-will and contributions from the local community. Many of those assisting with cooking are struggling international students themselves. Together, we cook, pack the food into takeaway containers and distribute it to students. We even have volunteer drivers who are able to deliver meals to those unable to come onto campus.
Thank you, Helena, for sharing this truly inspiring work. To find out more about the project, click here. What an example to show the importance of community at a time of adversity!
Do you have a story to share? We always love hearing from our GIS Alumni. Do get in touch if you would like to showcase your work. You can do this via Facebook, or by emailing us at alumni@gardenschool.edu.my, because every story matters.
