Students Attend International Conference

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Spring 18-9-2007

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Two student representatives and the Dean of Education from The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle recently attended the 15th conference of the Association of South East and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities(ASEACCU) in Manila, the Philippines.

The theme of the conference, ‘Higher Education without Borders: Learning to Live Together’ was discussed amongt 45 different Catholic universities focussing on the role of higher education in the context of increasing globalisation.

Fremantle Campus Student Association President, James Scannell and Vice President, Nour Huenidi, said being at the conference was a huge eye-opener and an incredible experience.

“All the students participating in the conference were so welcoming and friendly. On the first day we were split up into groups and asked what our concerns were as student leaders. Many listed poverty as being one of their major concerns and it became apparent how lucky we are to be living in Australia,” said Mr Scannell.

Mr Scannell said the highlight of the trip for him was visiting on of the many slum areas on the docks of Manila.

“We visited Baseco, an area of housing that had been built by students of the local university and corporate businesses for poor families. What amazed me were the children in the area. Although they were living is such poor conditions, they never stopped smiling,” said Mr Scannell.

The purpose of the AESACCU organisation is to promote Catholic higher education and to be a support for the local churches. Notre Dame hosted the 2002 conference in Fremantle and will host the 2009 conference on the Sydney Campus.

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