Two years after arriving in Australia as a refugee, University of Southern Queensland (USQ) student Rhema Monkambula has been recognised for academic excellence at university level.
Rhema, a second year Bachelor of Commerce student, was presented with a Young African Australian Star Award at a ceremony in Brisbane earlier this month.
The awards – an initiative of the Queensland African Communities Council - aim to encourage and support 15 to 30 year old African Australians as they shape their future and their communities across the state.
Rhema said she was shocked when they called out her name as a winner.
“I didn’t think I was going to get the award. There were many impressive nominees,” Rhema said.
“I was very happy to win - I couldn’t stop smiling!
“It makes me want to work even harder at University.”
Rhema undertook USQ’s
Open Access College English for Academic Purposes program after arriving in Australia from Zambia as a refugee in mid-2011.
“Open Access taught me many skills including writing essays and putting together a PowerPoint presentation,” Rhema said.
“Before that I couldn’t even send an email!”
USQ Refugee Support Officer Sue Bishop said Rhema was a great example of the hardworking students who attend the Open Access College.
“I’m very proud of the work we do at the college and I’m pleased to see Rhema’s dedication recognised,” Ms Bishop said.
“USQ is at the forefront of providing opportunities to refugees to achieve their academic potential.”
The Open Access College provides on campus and distance courses and programs of study to international and domestic students to equip them with the language and academic skills needed to successfully participate in tertiary study.
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