The Management Committee of FESTURI – a multicultural celebration Inc., are pleased to announce the 2009 recipient of the Inaugural Student Bursary, is Ms Johanna Aguilar. The Management Committee presented the $500 Bursary to Johanna at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre’s November 2009 Multicultural Dinner.

Ms Aguilar completed Year 12 studies at Nambour State High School in 2009, and will put the bursary towards her further studies at TAFE college this coming year. The goal of the Bursary Program is to encourage young people of culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds (CALD) to enter tertiary studies at the completion of their secondary education. Particular attention will be paid to the extra-curricula efforts of these young people in all aspects of creative arts.

Johanna came to Australia with her father 4 years ago, and has family in Bolivia (South America) and speaks Spanish. In her application, she describes the differences in cultures; “Bolivia and Australia are very different cultures; the food, the people, the shops, the streets and more.”

Johanna has participated in many cultural activities, including several Nambour State High School’s Harmony Day celebrations. Her presentation of Bolivian culture in 2009 (including a powerpoint presentation and traditional painting), was a great insight into South American life for her fellow students. She has many friends of different cultures; including Japan, Vietnam, China, Thailand, The Philippines and enjoys learning about their cultures.

Some comments from her teachers:

The Management Committee wish Johanna all the best of success in her endeavour to pursue a career here on the Sunshine Coast, and we look forward to hearing about her journey in the near future.

General Information on the Student Bursary Program
To mark ten successful years since the first FESTURI performance the Management Committee has decided to implement an on-going Bursary Program which will reward the particular community group which has supported this project from the very beginning – the young people who made meaningful contact with their peers and the wider community through their participation in the performing arts.

The Award
One bursary of $500 will be awarded annually. 2010 Application Forms available on the web site in March.

Who is Eligible to apply for the Bursary?
Year 12 students from CALD backgrounds who are attending any Secondary School in the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area AND have arrived in Australia as immigrants in the last 5 years AND have received English as a Second Language (ESL) support, may apply.

Those nominating for the award should show: