The Harden District Education Foundation (HDEF) have had a busy few weeks this year sorting through applications made by young people in the Harden Shire seeking to undertake university and TAFE courses, as well as apprenticeships.
The HDEF has received 21 applications for funding, and have met this week to assess each applicant’s case and to allocate funding.
“Initially, we only provided funding to first year students and apprentices,” said Lyn Douglass of the HDEF.
“However, more kids have needed assistance for a longer length of time.”
A prime example is fourth year medical student, Maggie-Kate Minogue, who the HDEF have been supporting throughout her studies at the University of New South Wales.
Applications usually close for funding from the HDEF in early February, with the HDEF being inundated with applications as soon as university places have been allocated and announced.
“We’re open to all children who are from the Shire or who go to school in the Shire. The HDEF has helped over 20 kids per year, in excess of ten years. That’s around 200 kids we have helped so far,” said Lyn.
The HDEF has also broadened the scope of its funding, with assistance given to fund needy children to attend preschool. They have also funded individual cases attending primary and secondary school.
They have also provided funding for school excursions and school equipment.
“We, along with Kruger, provided funds to put a Maths program in every primary school in the Shire,” said Lyn.
The HDEF receives money to fund its activities from private donations, as well as from proceeds from fundraising events. A fundraising event for the HDEF will take place mid-2015.
