Education is expensive, but that shouldn't stop people from achieving their dreams.
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That's the belief of Housing Trust CEO Michele Adair, who awarded $20,000 worth of scholarships to 18 Housing Trust tenants on Wednesday.
The Tylah West scholarships go towards supporting tenants in their education, training or workforce endeavours.
"The fact that it takes an organisation like the HousingTrust to provide the basic human right of a safe affordable roof over your head, then to also have to provide things like assistance with course fees is an indication that those two parts of our system are broken in Australia," Ms Adair said.
"As long as we need to, and regrettably it seems we will need to for a long time, the Housing Trust is here to give those intergenerational opportunities."
Named in memory of a young Aboriginal trainee who passed away in 2015, the Tylah West Scholarship Program is now in its fifth year.
To date, the program has assisted 63 tenants and more than $80,000 in sponsorship has been provided.
Recipient Faith Labaro said the scholarship sparked something within her.
Ms Labaro is a mother of six children, aged between three and 16. She had her first child when she was 20, and moved to Australia from the Philippines in 2011.
"I have always just looked after my kids," she said.
"I was in a domestic violence relationship, but was awarded Housing Trust accommodation last year.
"I thought it was time to do something for myself."
Ms Labaro is studying a certificate IV in graphic design. She hopes to eventually complete a diploma.
After she graduates, she would like to secure work with a production company and one day write a children's book.
"I'm finally pursuing my interest in design that I've always had," she said.
"Learning about all the software and things at TAFE just sparks that childlike passion in me."
Scholarship recipients apply through the Housing Trust and are interviewed by an independent panel.
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They are encouraged to identify the specific barriers to study they face, whether that be the cost of equipment like laptops, the cost of travel, or course fees.
Since the shift to online learning there has been an increase in requests for help affording technology.
"We have seen a big shift towards technology in this year's applications with home-based learning and remote work relying heavily on technology," Ms Adair said.
"Lack of access to computers and reliable internet services are formidable barriers to learning and participating in the workforce."
Some of the first scholarship recipients expect to graduate this year, and have been supported year on year by the Housing Trust.
Nioka Lowe was awarded her second scholarship this year.
She is studying a diploma of visual arts and dreams of becoming a curator or practising artist.
She also works at an art gallery.
"Last year I was able to buy a camera and start on my creative journey through photography and art," Ms Lowe said.
"I received all the supplies I needed to get through the course which was amazing because art is very expensive."
Ms Lowe is an Indigenous woman and hopes to use her skills to give back to her community
"I want to make art that speaks to people politically and be an advocate for the Indigenous community," she said.
"My community on the South Coast and in Redfern has done a lot for me and I want to give back."
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