A former refugee who is now studying to become a teacher, has been named Wyndham’s young person of the month for December.
Ruth Tangbau came to Australia as a refugee from Myanmar’s Kachin State in 2015 and has since gone on to become the first member of Wyndham’s Kachin community to complete a university degree.
Ruth graduated with a Bachelor of Science last year after being awarded a swag of scholarships for academic achievement.
Throughout her studies she still found the time to help the less fortunate, advocating and raising
awareness of victims of child sexual abuse and conducting science
workshops at disadvantaged schools.
The latter experience clearly rubbed off on Ruth as she is now undertaking a Masters of Teaching in the hope of one day returning to her homeland to educate young people
affected by the military coup.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said Ruth was a deserving recipient of the final young person of the month award for 2023.
“She is an exemplary role model for young people from refugee backgrounds and
shows how with determination and hard work you can make a difference and make
your dreams come true,” Cr Barrera said.
“Wyndham City thanks and appreciates the important contribution Ruth has made
and continues to make in Wyndham.”
For more information about Youth Services One Wyndham Project, go to:
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/youth-services/awards-competitions/one-
wyndham
Cade Lucas.
