Alumni Stories

Meet OzAlum Mathilda Agnes Maria Wowor who developed a series of books for parents and teachers under five-year-old that celebrates tolerance and diversity. She says laying a strong foundation for children about empathy and tolerance is important to build characters as we live in a diverse culture across Indonesia.

Dr Oluwakemi Fapojuwo, Australia Awards alumnus, is on a quest to promote climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria, using skills developed while studying at the Development of Agricultural Research, University of Sydney.

The indigenous chicken value chain, the focus of Sheila Nabwire Apopo’s work in agribusiness, is helping Kenya support food security.

For Grace Corcoran, applying for a New Colombo Plan Scholarship was the “perfect way to be exposed to the [Indo-Pacific] region and to learn more about their area-specific health issues,” as part of her Bachelor of Applied Public Health and Bachelor of Global Studies at the Australian Catholic University.

Meet Dr Jeanne Rini Peospoprodjo, #OzAlum Australia Awards from Charles Darwin University, who has spent more than 20 years of her medical career working on malaria in Papua province.

OzAlum Faye Alund recently became a National Coordinator of the 1000 Digital Start-up Movement, a long-term plan initiated by the Indonesian government to develop and inspire younger generation to drive the economy through technology and innovation.

OzAlum Erlina Marlinda runs a Training of Trainers program teaching people with disabilities in Aceh Besar regency how to recycle plastic and paper waste into handicrafts for income.

In East Lombok, fifteen women livestock farmers are inspiring more than a hundred of their fellow villagers to improve their livelihoods, thanks to a complete cattle feed program run by Ridho Ilahi People’s Farm Centre, with funding from the Australian Government through the Alumni Grant Scheme.

Australia Awards alumna Mariyam Rifga is making a significant contribution towards strengthening Protected Area Management in the Maldives and has been an asset to her organisation in achieving its conservation goals.

Australia Awards alumna Hawwa Leesha has always been passionate about giving back to society and is currently making a difference in the Maldives through providing a support system for vulnerable women.

When it comes to championing health care and making a positive difference in regional Papua New Guinea, Dr Izzard Aglua’s credentials are impressive by any measure.

Improving the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ethiopia is a passion of Minister of Trade and Industry, Teka Gebreyesus Entehabu. Today, this Australia Awards alumnus is proud to see real results emerge from work in this area, including improved government accountability and transparency.