The NSW Young Australian of the Year 2012 is 25 year old youth educator Jennifer Star for her efforts in an establishing an education partnership organisation which benefits thousands of Indian children and shares learnings between two continents.
An outstanding athlete, with a brilliant academic record, Jennifer was named one of Australia’s 100 Brightest Young Minds in 2007. Several years ago she went to India as a World Vision Youth Ambassador and teacher. There were no classrooms and Jennifer found herself sitting under a tree with 48 children and no resources. Then and there she resolved to return to India to improve the plight of some of the world’s most impoverished people. At just 21 she started Tara.Ed, an innovative non-government organisation promoting sustainable quality education in rural India by training teachers. It works as a partner organisation, with both Indian and Australian schools and teachers working together. Since 2007, Tara.Ed has reached out to 86 teachers and 1,340 school children. Her aim is to influence the prospects of 20,000 children, 200 teachers and 20 schools across two continents by 2020. Jennifer knows what it means to set her sights high. As a graduate from Macquarie University with first class Honours and an elite sportswoman in judo, representing Australia internationally, she is accustomed to applying hard work to her considerable talents. Through Tara.Ed, Jennifer’s determination is certainly paying off for thousands of Indian children.
For more information see the Australian of The Year site
Congratulations Jennifer!
From little things big things grow as long as love and dedication goes with it. With Jennifer its all of these and enthusiasm in everything she does.
Watching Jennifer grow and support others to do likewise has been our privilege.