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The Origin Foundation and the Country Education Foundation of Australia renew partnership for rural youth
The education aspirations of local youth are set to receive a much needed kick-start, following news that our partnership with the Country Education Foundation (CEFA), formed in 2011, will be extended for another three years.
Funding will help to increase the annual grant-making capacity of CEFA'S 40 education foundations, allowing local committees to increase financial assistance and support given to local youth as they pursue further education, training and vocations.
About CEFA
CEFA is a not-for-profit organisation which works to assist rural and regional youth across Australia to pursue their post high school education, training and vocation goals. CEFA provides students with much needed financial assistance, support and encouragement to overcome some of the extra obstacles faced, including travel and living away from home expenses.
It costs rural students substantially more than their metropolitan counterparts to pursue tertiary education. Often, the enormity of these costs can prevent rural students from achieving their educational goals.
Impact of the partnership
"Since our partnership began in 2011, we have seen the direct impact of the Origin Foundation's support of young people in our local education foundation communities right around Australia," explained CEFA Chairman, Nick Burton Taylor.
"Our relationship with the Origin Foundation is very special given the synergies shared by our organisations. We have the same aspiration to assist rural youth in achieving their post high school education goals and increase their life opportunities."
Head of the Origin Foundation, Sean Barrett says it has been rewarding to see the positive impacts of the CEFA program on students.
"The Origin Foundation is focused on education, training and development as pathways to brighter futures for individuals and their communities. The CEFA model of operation delivers for the individual and the community and that's why we support them," Mr Barrett said.
"The CEFA does a fantastic job; the facts speak for themselves. Ninety percent of people successfully complete their courses. I was impressed by one young person who said he could not afford to fail because he would be letting down his parents and his community."