Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has announced a matched giving campaign this end of financial year, and is calling on the public to donate and take advantage of this opportunity to help open roads for rural and regional youth.
Any gifts made during the campaign will support national pro grams and resources to empower regional youth to unlock their full potential, with all donations made to CEF matched up to a total of $500,000 until 30th June.
In 2023, approximately 82% of CEF supported students did not receive financial support from family and 40% were ineligible or did not receive government assistance. Additionally, 46% were work ing more than 15 hours a week on top of full-time study, just to make ends meet.
CEF Chief Executive Officer Wendy Mason explains, “This demonstrates a clear gap in the assistance regional young people are receiving to undertake post-school education and why the work of CEF is so critical, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise.” “This matched giving campaign is an incredible opportunity to raise much needed funds to support our national operations, to grow the impact we have on the lives of our rural and regional youth,” said Ms. Mason.
CEF is a national for-purpose organisation committed to enabling equal access to further education and career opportunities for rural and regional youth. “We believe wholeheartedly in the potential of our regional and rural young people, and we need the help of the community to provide them with the support they need to achieve their dreams,” said Ms Mason.