Honouring Achievements in Education at the 10th Annual MY Education Awards
On 4th September 2024, the Learning Support sector came together to celebrate the 10th annual MY Education Awards. Held at the State Library of Victoria, this special event recognised the outstanding achievements of Learning Support Programs, their volunteers, coordinators and young people.
QiQi, a classically trained multi-instrumentalist with a background in jazz, set the tone for the day, performing their unique blend of traditional Guzheng melodies with modern, diverse cultural influences.
The event MC was Danya Daoud, a CMY Shout Out speaker and award-winning young leader, who warmly welcomed attendees.
“Our theme, honouring achievements in education, recognises the amazing progress that you all have made. Education isn’t just about grades and test scores—it’s about growth, resilience, and the bright futures you’re all helping to build.”
CMY CEO Carmel Guerra OAM addressed the audience, acknowledging the Victorian Government and the Department of Education for their commitment to funding the Learning Beyond the Bell and Refugee Education Support Program.
Nick Staikos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and for Multicultural Affairs, spoke to the importance of providing support for multicultural young people in their education journeys.
Keynote speaker, Husna Amani, shared a powerful reflection on her own experiences of learning and the education system, as well as the importance of accessibility in education.
“Instead of viewing things through a deficit-based lens—such as telling someone they’ll struggle or not perform well at something, due to their identity, whether that be due to their disability, or the fact that English in some cases is not even your second language, but your 4th or 5th language, we need to offer diverse forms of support. We need to provide solutions that aren’t just one approach, and that are tailored to specific people or communities.
The audience then heard from Akuech Leuth, a secondary student at Rise Together Culture Club, and a nominee for the Outstanding Secondary Student of the Year Award. Akuech shared her passion for youth work and highlighted how participating in this Learning Support Program has inspired her to give back to her community in the same way by becoming a youth worker.
Carmel Guerra OAM and Nick Staikos then presented all winners and runners up with their awards.
Congratulations to all nominees and an extra special congratulations to this year’s winners:
Outstanding Volunteer
Heather Sealey, West Heidelberg Education Program – St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria
Outstanding Secondary Student
Aleyna Ozsoy, Aiming High – Banksia Gardens Community Services
Outstanding Primary Student
Zengwen Liang, Homework Club – Lalor Neighbourhood House
Outstanding New Learning Support Program
Harambee Homework Club – Regional Victorians of Colour
Learning Support Program of the Year – Metropolitan
Study Support – Kensington Neighbourhood House
Learning Support Program of the Year – Regional/Rural
Family After School Support – Cultura
