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Former refugee is a Nursing Science graduate
A former Zimbabwean refugee, who discovered she was pregnant shortly after arriving in Australia in 2007, has graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Now an Australian citizen living in Nambour, Wadzanai Chibondo, 24, said she had overcome many challenges, including the surprise pregnancy and arrival of her daughter, Patricia, during her studies at USC.
After arriving in Australia on a student visa, Wadzanai applied for refugee status to avoid having to return to the political turmoil in her home country.
She now works part-time as a nurse at the Glenbrook Residential Aged Care Facility, and is seeking full-time employment.
“Graduating is a really big achievement for me because, despite everything that was happening to me, I didn’t give up,” she said.
“I couldn’t have completed my degree without the support of the Salvation Army Church, the integrated youth and family support, and help from staff and my friends at USC.”
While raising her now four-year-old daughter, Ms Chibondo also juggled her university studies and part-time work at Sundale Garden Village.
Associate Lecturer Emma Kill said Ms Chibondo’s determination, coupled with support from various community groups, had enabled her to achieve her academic goals.
“Wadzanai is a beautiful and compassionate woman who will make an excellent, caring nurse, contributing to Australian society,” she said.
“The USC community, the Salvation Army Church and the University Federation of Women, never waivered in their support for Wadzanai as she completed her degree and raised her little girl.”
Ms Chibondo is the first member of her family to complete tertiary studies which, she said, was a proud moment for her family in Zimbabwe.
— Michelle Widdicombe