ASYLUM seekers and refugees as young as five years old from countries such as Zimbabwe and Afghanistan were awarded ACT Government scholarships today as part of the United Nations World Refugee Day.

The 33 scholarships worth more than $16,000, would be used to further English language skills or help a person on their career path.

“Each year, UN World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to show support for refugees in the Canberra community and beyond, and also to recognise the performance of those refugee students who attend Introductory English Centres and CIT,” said Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, who awarded the scholarships this morning to the recipients.

“The scholarships are organised by Canberra Refugee Support to recognise and encourage outstanding performance by refugee students and support them in pursuit of their personal development goals.

“This is the seventh year they have been delivered with the funding coming from donations directly from the Canberra community including individuals, work groups and other organisations.”

Three categories of scholarship were awarded for: Canberra Institute of Technology, valued at $1000 or $500 each; ACT Government Introductory English Centres, valued at $250 each; and local community institutions, valued at $500 or $1000 each.

“These scholarships are awarded to asylum seekers and refugees who are studying or seeking to study at CIT, Introductory English Centres or at other institutions while they are living in Canberra. Winners are selected on the basis of meritorious performance rather than academic results alone,” Gallagher said.