Granville local and TAFE NSW student Ramesh Shrestha has been named as the International VET/TAFE Student of the Year by the Council of International Students Australia (CISA). 

Ramesh came to Australia from Nepal to study a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Nirimba.  

He also the president of not-for-profit organisation, Vision for Motivation (VFM), where he works to empower, inspire and motivate international students. VFM started three years ago and has impacted over 5,000 international students across the state by providing them with assistance to connect to the wider Australian community and establish themselves in NSW.  

Ramesh (pictured right) said he felt honoured to receive the award and proud of the rapid growth Vision for Motivation, which started off as a group of 12 students and now has 150 members. 

“Winning this award wouldn’t have been possible without the continuous support and dedication from my TAFE NSW teachers. 

“My teachers have helped me through my course and helped secure me a part-time job in my first semester of my degree which has given me a wealth of practical experience,” Ramesh said. 

Ramesh is working at Only About Children in Macquarie Park while he completes his degree at TAFE NSW.  Ramesh wants to pursue further study in curriculum and instruction with a view to eventually returning to Nepal to help influence the education system.  

CISA National Public Relations Officer, Mili Mishra, said, “On behalf of CISA I'd like to congratulate Ramesh and thank him for his contribution to the International Student sector and Australian community.” 

“As Australia’s peak international student representative body, it’s important to have people like Ramesh supporting and advocating for international students in Australia.” 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Early Childhood Education and Care, Melinda Barsoum said, “Ramesh’s exceptional result in this prestigious award is a reflection of the quality, hands-on training TAFE NSW provides as well as the support available to students to help them reach their career ambitions.  

“I have no doubt Ramesh will go on to be a great ambassador for TAFE NSW in the childcare sector and continue to be an inspiration for international students studying in Australia,” Ms Barsoum said.   

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211