Board Member Janet Verden goes the extra mile for KU Marcia Burgess Foundation

Janet Verden had such a positive experience as a parent with KU John J. Carroll Preschool in Sydney’s Surry Hills that she was inspired to apply for a KU Board position where she now serves as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

 

Since taking on that role Ms Verden, a highly experienced Strategy and Transformation Executive, has realised the importance of helping to improve access to early education for all children, but especially those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. 

 

As such, when the opportunity to take part in a six-day trek through part of the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory to help raise funds for the KU Marcia Burgess Foundation arose, she leapt at the chance. 

 

Her children Will, Hugo and Gemma, all attended KU John J. Carroll from 2009 – 2016, where they had “an amazing experience” with “talented and nurturing educators who ensured every child felt a sense of worth and belonging.” 

 

“They forged strong partnerships with parents and carers to help each child thrive,” Ms Verden shared.

 

“Seeing the value of early childhood education first hand and the impact it had on my children, while learning not all children can assess early childhood education, made me want to join KU in 2011 and I’m privileged to still be a Board Member today,” she added.

 

Ms Verden, who enjoys doing multi-day treks as a way of experiencing different parts of Australia with friends, is looking forward to her first trip to central Australia, and to experiencing the “rugged and spectacular ancient landscape” and learning about its rich Indigenous history.

 

She will be walking the 120km trail with her husband and friends and together they have set the goal of raising $10,000 for the Foundation.

 

Donations made to the KU Marcia Burgess Foundation help strengthen opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to succeed now and in the future by improving access to early education; providing culturally safe and positive learning experiences; and supporting the development of career pathways that increase the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the early education sector.

 

The Foundation leads a range of initiatives including supporting community-led programs and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; alleviating the costs for health assessments for children’s access to NDIS benefits and paediatric allied health services; fee relief assistance for early education and care to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families; and more.

 

Readers can support Ms Verden to realise her fundraising goals by visiting https://personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/Janet-8629021

 

For more information about the Foundation and its initiatives visit the Foundation website, here.