b'WESTERN CHANCESPhoto: Igor SapinaThe best moment, for CEO Rhyll Dorrington, remains theMelbourne. When I left Myanmar, I had no self-confidence Western Chances scholarship ceremony. Entire familiesand no hope. Now Im a very different person, she said.arrive, dressed in their best clothes, bursting with pride. Often to watch their young relative receive a scholarship ofWestern Chances has a network of principals, teachers, between $500 to $1000. student welfare counsellors and other education professionals scattered across the west, keeping an eye out An amount that for some people can be life changing. Butfor students who can be nominated for Western Chances even then, its not just about the money. support. Western Chances has been operating for 15 years,Anyone can apply as long as they fit the eligibility criteria, supported for the last decade by ongoing, confirmedRhyll said. The young people we support have to be living in support from the Newsboys Foundation. The not for profitsthe western suburbs and face financial disadvantage. They charter is to provide assistance for young people fromhave to be attending state school and have an identifiable Melbournes western suburbs, to help with tutoring fees ortalent and motivation to pursue that pathway. We say purchasing text books, laptops, Myki cards, internet accesseverybody has a talent, as long as they show evidence of it.or other minor but significant costs that, if not met, mightNewsboys has contributed to 271 scholarships in the see that young person fall out of the education system. Thelast 10 years, providing an example that others have recipients also have access to half a million dollars worth embraced. Having long-term financial support gives an of free opportunities and assistance, further expanding organisation like Western Chances the confidence to build their horizons. and grow, without constantly being in survival mode. I cant If we dont help them with the essentials, they might dropoveremphasise the impact of that long-term support,out of school or university, Rhyll explained. People thinkRhyll said.because they are at a state school, how could they notThe CEO laughs that her ultimate success will be to put be able to afford to go to school? But there are all thoseherself out of a job. Already, a Western Chances alumniincidental costs. If they cant afford these things, they mightthe first ever to establish her own events companyhas decide its easier just not to go, and often there is pressurebeen appointed to run all the charitys events and Rhyll looks to get a job to support the family. to embrace the skills of other alumni wherever possible.Instead, 99 per cent of the students supported by WesternIts like at the scholarship ceremony, she said. These Chances completed VCE in 2018, according to theyoung people have all these people theyve never met organisations annual report, and 99 per cent also went oncoming up and saying congratulations. Its really powerful. to tertiary institutions, training or employment. One student,Its not only about the financial assistance, its about the Ruth, a Kachin refugee from Myanmar, has receivedacknowledgement and external endorsement that allows scholarships that have allowed her to complete VCE andthese young people to believe that they can achieve. We and now live at Trinity College, studying law at the University ofNewsboys are saying: we believe in you.NEWSBOYS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 201913'