Australia Awards Africa’s 45 masters 2025 intake scholars gathered in Addis Ababa for their two-day Pre-departure Briefing (PDB). The PDB, held from 12 – 13 November 2024, marks a significant milestone as scholars prepare to embark on two years of study in Australia.
The PDB was inaugurated by Mr. Evan Clifford, Second Secretary from the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa. Mr. Clifford congratulated scholars for being selected from over 11,000 applicants across Africa. Also in attendance were Mr. Michael Getasetegne, Public Diplomacy and Policy Officer from the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa and Mr. Banchamlake Getachew Mekonnen, Acting Deputy Director General of Protocol Affairs from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Australia Awards Africa was represented by its Team Leader, Mrs. Jenny Laughton.
The PDBs provide scholars with essential insights, outlining the objectives of the Australia Awards Africa Program, strategies to maximise their academic and personal experiences in Australia and how to prepare them to develop and implement their Reintegration Action Plans (RAP). This document is a key development tool for alumni to make development contributions upon their return home.
On the final day of the PDB, Ambassador Julia Niblett from the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa presented two outstanding scholars with the Graeme Wilson and Sandra Vegting Leadership Prizes: Ms. Pelgrina Ndumba from Namibia who is studying a Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education at Flinders University and Ms. Sheila Narainen from Mauritius studying a Master of International Relations/Security and Strategic Studies at Macquarie University.
Ms. Ndumba, a Disability Program Officer with a passion for inclusive education and Ms. Narainen, a Police Inspector advocating for ethical policing, were recognised for their exceptional talents and commitment to growth and development in their home countries.
These leadership prizes honour the legacy of HE Graeme Wilson, Australia’s High Commissioner to South Africa from 2012-2014, and HE Sandra Vegting, Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius from 2011-2014, celebrating their contributions to diplomacy and development.
As they prepare to journey to Australia, the Australia Awards Africa team extends its best wishes and congratulations to all scholars.
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