By Mitchell Clarke
Vulnerable international students are continuing to be supported throughout the Covid-19 pandemic by generous Indian and Sikh volunteers.
International students from five Victorian universities connected online with leaders from the Officer Sikh Temple, Sikh Community Connections and International Students Support to discuss emotions and worries amid life during Coronavirus.
The meeting, co-organised by Harpreet Singh, Karthik Arasu and Gurinder Kaur, saw eight students from Federation University, RMIT, Deakin University, Swinburne University of Technology and the University of Melbourne take part in the zoom call.
The call helped to help identify ways the community could further support international students during the uncertain period.
One of the organisers, Harpreet Singh, from the Officer Sikh Temple, said the motivation to launch the meeting was to identify key areas of support beyond material support.
He said that while students had welcomed the material support, there was growing concern for mental health issues, especially for students who had only just begun their studies this year.
For many students who arrived in February or March, they haven’t been able to leave their university campus or dorms.
“The students seem a little lost about the recently announced Victorian Government package for International students and were seeking more details and support,” Mr Singh explained.
“While all students appreciated the support announced by their respective universities and the State Government, there was displeasure over the Federal support, even though the education industry was a major source of revenue for Australia.”
Among the main concerns for international students was the status of their visa and costs associated with obtaining data packages from telecommunication companies.
“The students were concerned about their visas, especially those were graduating soon,” Mr Singh said.
“They desired more clarity on their temporary visa and its validity given that job prospects will diminish once they graduate and it may be difficult for them to find jobs related to their skills and education.
“It was pointed that most students are also struggling with data offered on plans by telecom companies, given that they cannot afford bigger data packages and most of their learning is happening online.”
Offering a piece of advice, Mr Singh advised the students to go “beyond their comfort zone” by networking with fellow international students from other countries, who might also be suffering from home sickness.
“All participants appreciated the need to organise such brainstorming catch-up sessions that will provide emotional help to students and help them prepare for the changing world,” he said.
“This will also help community groups identify areas that can help with, as needs will keep changing overtime.”
The Officer Sikh Temple, also known as the Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND), recently donated more than 1000 kilograms of groceries to those in need.
“This is the spirit of Sikhism – we believe in sharing and caring,” Mr Singh added.
“SGND is always keen to join hands with any-like minded groups in Victoria, irrespective of their location, to assist with groceries, tours to temple, cooking and eating together and also planning to organise skills development on resilience, financial management and technology.”
In the past, the Gurdwara has collaborated with local schools, university students, churches, resident associations, food relief organisations and multicultural groups to provide assistance and support when needed.
