The philanthropic division of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), recently achieved a remarkable fundraising milestone of raising over $12,000 for its Refugee Bursary program.
In support of the CEF, more than 100 employees from SCS’s World Square office participated in the ‘Walk for a Refugee’ initiative, aimed at increasing awareness and raising much-needed funds to provide refugee students with the opportunity to access a Catholic education.
Volodymyr, a Year 5 student at Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School Beverly Hills, is among the refugee students receiving ongoing assistance from the CEF.
Hailing from conflict-ridden Ukraine, Volodymyr, along with his two sisters and mother, relocated to Australia seeking refuge from the war and aiming for a brighter future.
During this period, the CEF provided direct assistance to Volodymyr and his sisters to study at Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School, where dedicated and hard-working educators deliver a strong faith-based education.
“The CEF gave me a scholarship so I could receive the opportunity to learn here in Australia.
“Because we are part of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, my parents wanted me to study with children who have a similar religious background to me, learn by God’s example and have faith in everything I do,” Volodymyr said.
The CEF’s assistance for Volodymyr goes well beyond covering his tuition fees.
A portion of the funds generated from the ‘Walk for a Refugee’ initiative was allocated to purchase a MacBook Pro, providing additional support for his educational journey.
CEF Supervisor, Kathleen Badolato elaborates on why such a significant number of the wider SCS team passionately support its initiatives.
“Our staff are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the lives of students that we work for every day, and bond as a team over the sharing of a common goal for the greater good,” Ms Kathleen Badolato said.
When talking about his hopes and ambitions, Volodymyr articulates a positive outlook on what lies ahead in his future and is planning to put his new computer to good use.
“I would like to continue with my English and make sure I don’t forget anything. I want to grow up to be a Programmer and design games for children worldwide to enjoy.”
About the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF)
Since 2015, the CEF has supported more than 2,000 refugee students and provided them with the opportunity to receive the gift of a Catholic education.
The CEF continues to be driven by its mission: “No child in the Sydney Archdiocese should be denied a Catholic education due to financial, social, or cultural hardship”.
Funding for the bursary program comes from our generous corporate partnerships, community grants, annual fundraising events, Staff Giving Program and donations. Thank you to all those who support the program.
