Presentation of Famine Memorial Prizes

It was pleasing to be able to present the GIFCC’s Irish Famine Memorial Prizes as follows:-

The Irish Famine Memorial History Honours Prize at Macquarie University
Presented to: Max Barnett
For his work in the Masters of Research.

We are living in a world seemingly in constant crisis in one form or another. Max’s thesis focusses on how scarcity in any of man’s essential needs reshapes global history in terms of how and where people live, movements of populations and forced migrations. The Great Irish Famine is a typical example of the effect of scarcity of food and affordability of housing. Max uses a case study approach to analyse how past human societies have learned (or not) to manage such crises and specifically, how the impending threat of energy scarcity will be managed.

We wish Max success with his ongoing studies and his PhD.

The Irish Famine Memorial Refugee Prize at Western Sydney University
Presented to Zainab Khavary
For outstanding work in Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Law studies.

Zainab has overcome particular hardship to endure as a non-English-speaking refugee single mother; she has performed extremely well since gaining a place at Western Sydney University. In her first year she was recognised in the Dean’s Merit List; she has since taken on a leadership role with a community support network, Afghan Women on the Move.

Zainab says, “There is no challenge that cannot be overcome, success is triumphing over hardships, willing your goals over your comfort to achieve the best for yourself and your family. I improved my time management skills so I could balance study and work commitments together and in December 2019 I began my internship job as an assistant accountant in Carlyle Kingswood Global … I’m truly passionate about law because it helps me improve my standard of thoughts, skills, and knowledge. In my country, as a woman, I did not have rights…and I had bad experiences of racism and discrimination … I hope to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer, a fighter for women’s rights, for human rights, helping to change laws and policies, winning hearts and minds. I want to stand for the right of every child to live equally and free from discrimination, no matter their gender or identity.”

Our best wishes to Zainab for the completion of her Degrees.

Zainab’s young son, Mohammed Yama (age 6), attended the Commemoration and Presentation and graciously thanked everyone “for supporting me and my Mum”.

The Great Irish Famine Refugee Scholarship at Western Sydney University
Due to the disruption caused by Covid-19, the University has not yet processed applicants for the Scholarship; we are hopeful that the Scholarship will be awarded in the coming weeks.

PLEASE NOTE:
The GIFCC funds the Annual Prize at Macquarie University; value $500. Donations to the GIFCC can be made by bank transfer to:- GIFCC Inc, BSB: 062 037 ACCOUNT: 1001 3868 Ref: Your name. Please advise your donation by email here.

The Scholarship and Prize at Western Sydney University relies on public donations. The GIFCC also contributes to this fund. The Scholarship value is $7500; the Prize value is $1000. 

How to Donate: Tax-deductible donations to Western Sydney University can be made here. We will be making a presentation before the end of the academic year.

Making a Bequest in your Will
If you would like to consider making a contribution to the GIFCC in the form of a Bequest in your Will, please request information by email here. 

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