TAFE Gold Coast: International students facing financial hardship given care packages

Organisers have been “overwhelmed” by the response after a call to help a group of people suffering finacial hardship on the Gold Coast

THOUSANDS of international students are stranded on the Gold Coast, and without access to financial support from the government, they’re struggling to pay rent and buy food.

TAFE Gold Coast student Isabela Tronco, from Brazil, studies early childhood education and care at the Southport campus and has been out of work since the pandemic hit.

“As an international student I am not eligible to receive any support from the government, but I still have to find a way to pay the rent and buy food,” she said.

But last week Mrs Tronco was thrown a lifeline thanks to the generosity of TAFE Queensland staff and the local community who have been donating non-perishables and gifting them to internationals.

Queensland TAFE Gold Coast student Lucas Bielefeld from Chile receiving a care package from Emma Cross, a student retention and mentoring officer at TAFE’s Ashmore campus. Photo: Supplied.

TAFE Queensland general manager on the Gold Coast, Karen Dickinson, said many students now found themselves without family, employment or financial assistance.

“We train more than 500 international students and many of them are facing financial hardship, but providing food and essential products is one worry we can take off their minds,” she said.

“For the last three weeks, TAFE Queensland staff have been sourcing non-perishable goods, and I am overwhelmed and so grateful for the response we have received.”

Ms Dickinson said as word of the drive had spread from staff and domestic students to their networks, campuses across the Gold Coast were being bombarded with kindness from the community.

Malaysian student Iresha Syril, who is studying early education and childcare.

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“Many Gold Coasters are struggling to make ends meet right now, and it’s humbling to see people generously sharing what they can to support those in need,” she said.

“The community response has been fabulous with several community agencies and businesses making donations.

“We’ve received everything from food, personal care items, and grocery store vouchers which are being packaged for our international students to take away.”

Mrs Tronco said the TAFE package helped her and her husband and meant they were able to put some money aside for bills because they didn’t have to buy groceries.

“It’s been hard, but this kind gesture has released some of the pressure and made us feel supported,” she said.

TAFE Queensland general manager on the Gold Coast karen Dickinson with some of the items donated.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman congratulated everyone who donated and is encouraging people to support each other – however they can.

“What a fantastic initiative and a true example of the Queensland spirit and a great effort from our caring and hardworking TAFE staff,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We know so many people in Queensland are doing it pretty tough right now, but every day we are hearing stories of local communities supporting those who need it most.

“I would encourage everyone if they can to donate, check up on their neighbour, and do what we do best and that’s support each other through this crisis.”

Donations can be delivered to TAFE Queensland Customer Service Offices at the Ashmore, Coomera and Southport campuses.

The Ashmore campus is the collection point for all international students.