Notre Dame\u27s Foundation Year program offers chance at university for young volunteer

A recipient of one of the Western Australian State Government\u27s Young People Who Care Awards in 2012 has enrolled at Notre Dame\u27s Fremantle Campus to further her knowledge and experience in assisting people overcome health problems and personal trauma. Amber Clarke, a graduate of Hamilton Senior High School, will begin her university life in February having enrolled in the Foundation Year (Nursing) Program on the Fremantle Campus. She hopes to use this program as a platform to eventually enrol in and complete a Bachelor of Nursing. Ms Clarke, who donates several hours of her time each week to working with community groups, received the Caring in the Community award from Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney for her role in caring for family and community members . It felt wonderful to be recognised by the State Government for my volunteer work in the community. I was so proud to be standing next to other inspirational youth, Ms Clarke said. I am a carer for my brother who has autism so I try to apply the knowledge I have in my situation and use it to assist other children dealing with the same issues. I believe Notre Dame\u27s hands-on approach to learning skills in the health care environment will ultimately help me to assist underprivileged members in our community. I am really looking forward to becoming an active member of the Notre Dame community. Executive Director, Admissions and Student Services, Rommie Masarei, said the University prided itself on its unique admissions process where students\u27 extracurricular endeavours were recognised and rewarded. I am delighted that Amber, a student with such initiative and maturity beyond her age, has selected Notre Dame as her destination to commence her tertiary studies, Mrs Masarei said. She is a wonderful example for other students who are looking to undertake volunteer work in the community. Notre Dame is proud to have an admissions process which considers a prospective student\u27s personal qualities, motivation and academic potential, in addition to their contribution to Church, school and community life. An initiative developed by Notre Dame\u27s Fremantle Campus in 2011, the Volunteer Network provides students with the opportunity to offer their services to agencies and organisations which work with some of WA\u27s most underprivileged people. Some of the organisations Notre Dame Fremantle students have volunteered at include the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Australian Red Cross and St Patrick\u27s Care Centre. The Foundation Year Program is an alternative entry pathway to Undergraduate studies at The University of Notre Dame Australia. For more information on the Foundation Year Program, visit the Academic Enabling & Support Centre website -http://www.nd.edu.au/academic_support/programs MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Ebbs: Tel (08) 9433 0610; Mob 0408 959 138 Leigh Dawson: Tel (08) 9433 0569; Mob 0405 441 09