Diploma of Community Services student Alia Abdi has been named the South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) Culturally Diverse Student of the Year.
SM TAFE’s Student Awards recognise the achievements of students from across the college, including winners in the categories Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year, International Student of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year and the VET Secondary Student of the Year award.
The New Zealand born-Somalian, Alia, saw her passion to help her community and people with a disability became a reality after securing a part-time job in her dream career at a community centre, supporting and increasing engagement with the culturally diverse community and people with disabilities.
While also being a popular guest speaker on podcasts and forums on a range of subjects from Islam, mental health and living with cerebral palsy, Alia undertook work experience at the Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre and was invited to be a community ambassador and member of their board.
Alia is a strong advocate for how training can not only result in gaining community services qualifications but can increase personal growth while achieving career ambitions.
“My training has given me the confidence to set future goals, and I hope to further my studies in social work at university,” Alia said.
SM TAFE Executive Director Training Services and panel chair Carole Little said Alia’s passion, energy, and sheer determination to succeed not only for herself but for others, is why she is a most deserving award recipient.