The Fund received a number of quality applications in the December round.  We are pleased to confirm two Scholarships were awarded bringing the total funding awarded in 2007 to more than $20,000.  Congratulations to the following Scholarship recipients:

Part A – Fully Funded Education Scholarships

Vicki Young – Uniting Care Burnside
FIA Skills 2

Sonia Krivacic – Catholic Mission
FIA Skills 1

Part B – Education Subsidies for ASI Customers

no scholarships awarded
 

Part C – Education Grants for ASI Customers

no scholarships awarded

We thank all the applicants for taking the time to prepare their applications.  Applicants - successful in this round or not - are encouraged to consider applying again in future funding rounds (annually in March, June, September and December).

J Grant
formerly YHA Victoria

Have you ever realised, with hindsight, that you could have chosen a different career and then spent time wondering what it would have been like?  I have. 

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be a teacher or trainer.  To be able to stand up in front of a group of people who had little or no knowledge about a topic or skill and for the participants to leave at the end of the day with more information than they came with. 

Over the years I picked up this skill of imparting knowledge and I have always shared my knowledge & skills that I had gained whether it be a life skill or information related to a task or responsibility.

In early 2007 I was once again reflecting on my life’s journey and wondering what was next, when I read about the ASI scholarships.  At the time I was working for a not-for-profit organisation that was under going change and I wonder how best I could put my skills to use and at the same time fulfil my long desired wish to be a trainer.

From August to November 2007 I participated in a Certificate IV Training & Assessment program.  The amount of work that is required to set up one ½ hour training session that meets all the criteria, competencies, is fun and meets all the needs of each individual – was an eye-opener – let alone the amount of time it takes to design a whole day program.

At times I thought I was in a different world, with all the acronyms and ‘trainer’ jargon, however I found the course to be very stimulating, thought provoking and challenging. 

I had the basic Skills now I’ve Mastered the knowledge and have become an Accredited trainer with national Recognition and all because of a Timely email about the ASI SMART Scholarship foundation and having the courage to take Action – so now I’m SMARTA.

Thanks ASI for the opportunity to become SMARTA and I’m looking forward to putting my new skills and knowledge to work in 2008.