Media Statement - 4th December 2008
The
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today
congratulated eight students from Defence families who have been awarded the
opportunity to live and study overseas next year.
Thanks to an annual joint scholarship initiative between Defence and American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs Australia, two students each from Navy, Army and Air Force families and two from Defence civilian families will enjoy the challenges of living and studying in another country.
In a ceremony today the scholarships were presented to the students by Major General Craig Orme, on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Force.
Mr Snowdon said he had no doubt the young people would be excellent ambassadors for Australia and for the ADF community.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for the children of our Defence members,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The chance to see the world, to live and study in another country and another culture is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around very often, and they should be very proud of their achievements.
“The motto of AFS is “to build a just and peaceful world through world wide exchange programs focussed on high school students.
“This is a very powerful message, and Defence is very fortunate to be able to work with AFS to provide these scholarships to our families.
“The work our military does would not be possible without the love and understanding of their families. Retaining our service men and women also means supporting their families and children.
“I thank AFS for their ongoing effort to build opportunities for Defence families and I wish these eight students the very best of luck on their year ahead.”