The book, A Celebration of Alumni Impact in South Asia, now sits proudly in venues across South Asia, including Australian Embassies and High Commissions – celebrating alumni of the Australia Awards program.
Over 4,000 Australia Awards alumni, from strong communities across Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and Mongolia, are actively linked to and engaged with Australia.
In 2023, with travel open, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will offer over 1,600 Australia Awards scholarships and short courses to individuals from 28 partner countries.
These prestigious, transformational scholarships and short courses offered to emerging leaders from developing countries are for study, research and professional development in Australia and the region so they can return home and contribute to their nations’ development, prosperity and resilience.
Among the many opportunities to launch the book, have been events in the Maldives and Nepal – showcasing the publication that combines imagery and stories of more than 40 Australia Awards regional alumni.
Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, HE Felicity Volk, launched the book at a reception during the Australia Awards South Asia & Mongolia Regional Alumni Workshop.
Ambassador Volk said it was “a wonderful representation of both the Australia Awards program and, most importantly, stories of personal growth and extraordinary achievement.”
The Australian High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives, High Commissioner David Jessup, launched the book at an event attended by Dr Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, that featured a cultural performance of Maafathi dance from the Student Union of the Maldives National University.
High Commissioner Jessup acknowledged that Award alumni are influencers, innovators, leaders, and friends of Australia, who play a crucial role in promoting Australia’s commitment to bilateral cooperation through their outstanding contributions to Maldives.
Reflecting the priorities of the Australia Awards in South Asia, alumni featured in the book are grouped by themes:
- Strengthening communities and advancing human development
- Safeguarding environments and improving lives
- Promoting stability and supporting good governance
- Sustaining livelihoods and advancing economic development.
Alumni speak passionately about their experience and how it has shaped their lives and contribution to their countries’ development. They highlight how the knowledge gained during their studies in Australia, and their expertise in advocacy, project management and communication have contributed to their career and national development.
The Australian Government’s development policy of Australian aid: promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, enhancing stability recognises that tertiary education is a pillar of the Australian investment in development.
The estimated 2022-23 budget for Australia Awards investments across the globe is $254 million. Find out more about Australia’s development assistance for education here.
For Alumni stories from across Australia Awards South Asia see award recipients here.
