5 July 2010
Thousands of dollars for a Diploma of Community Welfare - who is that helping?
I enrolled for a Diploma of Community Welfare and was told that the course would cost me around $200.
After finally getting the invoice, I was informed that I would have to pay around $13,000 per year.
I was lucky enough to receive the government discount with having no previous education; however, I was still left with $2,148 to pay within days when I was of the knowledge that I would only have to pay $200.
I am a single mother looking to be educated so that I can return to work with qualifications and improve my current status for the benefit of me, my children and the government - ie by getting off welfare! I am now in debt and not eligible for VET FEE help either.
I am doing all I can to reskill and gain employment, however I do not have a disposable income and I am going to struggle to find the money for my second year. Please reverse this hike in fees and make TAFE accessible! – to all and especially us single mothers who are raising our children on fresh air.
Please, help us to help ourselves better our situations.
— Posted by Gaynor Holmes
TAKE ACTION NOW in the campaign to stop the TAFE fee hikes.
Well said Gaynor, the sector needs a lot more people just like you.
regards sue
Susan simpson, FRANkston, 06 JUL 2010 23:58
I too am in a similar situation to Gaynor, single mum and struggling to pay everyday bills let alone my tafe fees! The government want people to be self sufficient and off centrelink payments and yet they make it nearly impossible for lower income persons to become educated. I will only be able to complete cert 4 of my course due to the diploma fees being insanely high. I can only pray that this stupid decision becomes over turned so I and many other like Gaynor can get the education we deserve.
Best of luck Gaynor for the future :)
Nicole Myles, Bendigo, 05 JUL 2010 20:14
Oh Gaynor..your story is shared by so many women who are struggling with time, energy and now money in order to gain some work qualifications. I completed most of my studies when there were no fees as did many of the politicians who are now supporting fees at TAFE!!! I wish you well with your studies and hope that you are able to find the money to continue next year. The welfare field needs more people like you who have their eyes wide open and will advocate energetically on social justice issues.......
Deborah Rosenberg, , 05 JUL 2010 17:06
Gaynor, this is a sad indictment on the Brumby Government. Making education unaffordable for you and others in your position is a recipe for social exclusion, creating dependence on centrelink benefits into the future and deprive you of the opportunity for your children to aspire you be educated like their Mum.
This must be extremely disappointing for you after making the huge decision to return to study.
I wish you well and I'm so very sorry that the Brumby Government has put this considerable obstacle in your path.
I hope Premier Brumby comes to his senses on this one.
Margie, Melbourne, 05 JUL 2010 14:32
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