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Teacher takes on Individual Support


2021-06-01

While studying a Certificate III in Individual Support at Box Hill Institute in 2020, Chamarie Kumaragama received one of the HESTA Health and Community Services $435.00 scholarships to help support her through the course. Chamarie said, "I felt my commitment to passing the certification successfully and my motivation was highly appreciated. It means a lot for me, especially as a person changing career and new to Australia."

Chamarie enrolled in her course through the Victorian Government's Free TAFE program after moving to Australia in 2019. She had previously worked for 15 years as a teacher in Sri Lanka but decided to change careers when she started looking after her grandmother, who had a fall and injured her hip. She said, "Since I'm a very caring and a loving person, I became passionate about what I was doing, and that was the main reason why I wanted to get into this field and gave up my teaching career."

Assisting individuals in need is Chamarie's second nature. She said, "In this field, I believe that I can happily build a successful career."

Due to COVID-19, in 2020 classes were delivered online, which was a bit challenging for Chamarie, but now she is enjoying it. She has since been able to gain practical experience, which has really enjoyed and is now doing a placement at the Donwood Community Aged Care Services in Croydon. Chamarie said, "This course helped me to understand my client's circumstances and adjust my working style to assist better.

"It's a rewarding experience as well as an amazing feeling and a fulfilling career that will be with you all your life," she said.

The Certificate III in Individual Support suits a loving and caring person who looks forward to making a big difference in someone's life for the better. After completing the course, Chamarie's goal is to enhance her knowledge in this field further and to become a community leader in individual support. She said, "In the next five years, I will be in a good position and will possess more skills that will help me to educate and help others who are new to this field."