Nepalese student studying ECEC recognised as International VET/TAFE Student of the Year

Ramesh Shrestha, a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) at TAFE NSW Nirimba has been named as the International VET/TAFE Student of the Year by the Council of International Students Australia (CISA). 

Ramesh came to Australia from Nepal to study his ECEC qualification, and whilst in the country, has become the president of not-for-profit organisation, Vision for Motivation (VFM), where he works to empower, inspire and motivate international students. VFM started three years ago and has impacted over 5,000 international students across the state by providing them with assistance to connect to the wider Australian community and establish themselves in NSW.  

Mr Shrestha said it was an honour to receive the award, expressing his pride at the rapid growth Vision for Motivation, which started off as a group of 12 students and now has 150 members. 

Crediting his TAFE NSW teachers for their “continuous support and dedication” Mr Shrestha, who works at Only About Children in Macquarie Park while he completes his degree, said “winning this award wouldn’t have been possible without my TAFE NSW teachers”.

“My teachers have helped me through my course and helped secure me a part-time job in my first semester of my degree which has given me a wealth of practical experience,” he added.

Once he has completed his studies, Mr Shrestha intends to extend his learning and undertake further study in curriculum and instruction with a view to eventually returning to Nepal to help influence the education system.  

CISA National Public Relations Officer, Mili Mishra congratulated Mr Shrestha on his achievements saying “On behalf of CISA I’d like to thank Ramesh for his contribution to the International Student sector and Australian community.” 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Early Childhood Education and Care, Melinda Barsoum said she had no doubt that Ramesh would “go on to be a great ambassador for TAFE NSW in the childcare sector and continue to be an inspiration for international students studying in Australia” commending him for his efforts. 

Further information about VFM is available on their Facebook page. For more information about TAFE NSW please visit their website.