Vinnies supports students to shine at university

The Clemente Program is taking 2023 enrolments now for free community-based university courses designed for students who have experienced challenging life circumstances and seen their education interrupted.

These university courses are offered free of charge by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) at the Watson campus in partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn.

“It doesn’t matter if you finished high school, or had your studies impacted by COVID – Clemente is open to all adults regardless of education level, who are looking for a pathway to further education.” said Zoe Gilrain, Manager of Clemente at the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn.

“If you are over 18, willing to learn, can read and write, then Clemente provides a supportive and flexible learning environment for students to shine at university that is free of fees and other costs.”

For 20-year-old Josiah, the semester long pathways course he did through Clemente has prepared him to take on further tertiary education and pursue a degree in his chosen field of arts and communications.

Due to interstate moves and the pandemic interfering with his final years of high school, Josiah was unsure if he was ready to take on a university course.

“Clemente really supported me and got me excited at what studying at university would be like. We did practical lessons on all sorts of topics including how to write essays, so now I feel way more confident about applying to do a full-time university degree.” said Josiah.

“I really enjoyed the course. It was super rewarding to achieve good results and meet other people in the same situation as me.”

The Clemente program has been running for over a decade in Canberra helping students achieve their personal and academic goals.

"Places are available for next year, so to change someone’s life for the better, refer a potential student to Clemente by contacting Vinnies.” Said Zoe.

For more information:
Visit, https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/ACT/Health_and_wellbeing/Clemente/

Call 0418 714 835

Email clemente.cg@vinnies.org.au

Media contact: Sophia Brady Sophia.Brady@vinnies.org.au or 0491 0143 50

Interviews available:
Zoe Gilrain, Manager of Clemente, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn