Jennifer Star, founder of Tara.Ed: HVRF’s 2012 Community Lecture Series
Courtesy of Hunter Valley Research Foundation
The Hunter Valley Research Foundation’s Community Lecture Series invites prominent Australians to Newcastle to stimulate debate around the theme Democracy and a Civil Society since 1996. The final lecture in the 2012 series is by NSW Young Australian of the Year 2012 recipient and Tara.Ed founder, Jennifer Star, titled Education: Investing in the Future.
On a three month volunteer teaching trip to India, Jennifer Star witnessed the reality that impoverished children in rural communities face each day and experienced the poor state of education - teaching almost 50 students under a tree with no resources! Quickly she became inspired to make a difference in lives of the children and teachers who suffer these circumstances. This is when Tara.Ed was inspired.
Tara.Ed, an innovative non-government organisation, has three primary focuses; creating cross-cultural links between Australia and Indian schools, training Australian and Indian teachers in hands on programs involving a teacher tour and skills exchange, and providing resources for rural schools to enhance the quality of education. Through these initiatives, since 2007 Tara.Ed has helped 86 teachers and 1340 students.
“After being in Jaipur in 2006, I was left with a decision – I could go back to India each year and teach 30 children and change 30 lives. Or I could go to India and teach 30 teachers, who would each teach 30 children and change 900 lives…” – Jennifer Star
To hear about the incredible achievements of Jennifer Star and what she hopes to accomplish in the future, register here for the free lecture to be held September 25th at Newcastle City Hall.
When: Tuesday, 25 September, 6pm-7pm (doors open from 5:15pm)
Where: Newcastle City Hall - Concert Hall, King Street, Newcastle
Tickets: Free! Register now
Contact: Kim Britton 4969 4566 ext 516 or 0412 128 727
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