THURSDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2024: International Day of the Girl, celebrated Friday 11 October, focuses on empowering girls around the world. This year’s theme, “Learn Today, Change Tomorrow,” resonates deeply with 20-year-old Palvisha Farooq, whose life has been transformed through the power of education. Her story is a testament to how learning can break the cycle of disadvantage and open doors to a brighter future.
Growing up in Western Sydney after moving to Australia at just six months old, Palvisha's childhood was marked by frequent moves and financial instability. “I had a rocky childhood, but honestly, I don’t remember most of it,” she recalls. “We moved a lot, but I always had my family. I spent a lot of my time playing outdoors with my siblings and studying because I loved school.”
However, financial hardship made it difficult for her to access the same opportunities as her peers. “The biggest challenges were missing out on things like school camps, excursions, or having the same devices other kids had,” Palvisha explains.
In Year 3, her life changed when she joined The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. This initiative helps disadvantaged students by providing financial, educational, and personal support to keep them engaged in school. For Palvisha, it was a turning point. “I got access to tutoring and learning programs in primary school, which helped me focus on my learning and better myself.”
Currently, around 63,000 Australian students benefit from the Learning for Life program, with over 10% of them living in Western Sydney. The program is made possible through partnerships with organisations like HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, and individual sponsors. HCF recently committed to a three-year partnership with The Smith Family, supporting 1,500 students—equivalent to the number of HCF employees—through the Learning for Life program.
For Palvisha, the program provided more than just financial assistance. “I got access to lots of tutoring and learning programs in primary school which helped me focus on my learning and helped me better myself. At the end of high school I received a tertiary coordinator who checks in on me every month to see how I’m going with university. I also received amazing opportunities like the cadetship to career program which allowed me to intern at a bank.”
Through school, Palvisha’s passion for learning grew. “My favourite subjects were English and business studies. I loved reading, writing, and found commerce really fun.” Now in her third year at Macquarie University, Palvisha is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce and Secondary Education, on her way to becoming a high school business teacher. “From a young age, I wanted to be a teacher, and my experience with business studies in high school drove me to pursue that dream.”
Palvisha credits The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, supported by partners like HCF, for her personal growth and academic success. “The program helped me step out of my comfort zone and accomplish big things I never thought I’d be capable of. It’s helped me reach my goal of going to university.”
Education has far-reaching benefits, not only improving earning potential but also boosting health outcomes. A 2024 study1 published in The Lancet revealed that every additional year of education reduces the risk of premature death by 2%—equating to a 25% lower risk after completing secondary school.
Palvisha also recognises the value of organisations like HCF supporting educational programs. “It’s so important that big organisations like HCF see the hard work The Smith Family does and contribute to helping families and children reach their education goals. With HCF’s support, The Smith Family can make an even bigger impact.”
For HCF CEO Sheena Jack, this partnership is about more than just education—it’s about fostering a healthier, more equitable future for all Australians. “We believe that education is fundamental to breaking the cycle of disadvantage and improving health outcomes,” Ms. Jack says. “Through our partnership with The Smith Family, we’re proud to support the education of young Australians, knowing it’s the key to building healthier communities.”
As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl, stories like Palvisha’s highlight the transformative power of education. With the right support, young Australians from all backgrounds can achieve their dreams and create a better tomorrow.
Find out more about HCF’s partnership with The Smith Family by visiting hcf.com.au/about-us/about-HCF/partnerships/the-smith-family
ENDS
REFERENCES:
1. Effects of education on adult mortality: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Balaj, Mirza et al. The Lancet Public Health, Volume 9, Issue 3, e155 - e165
Media enquiries to:
Joni Thomes 0475 576 738 or jthomes@hcf.com.au
Key Facts:
· Every additional year of education reduces the risk of premature death by 2% — equating to a 25% lower risk after completing secondary school.
· Around 63,000 Australian students benefit from the Learning for Life scholarship, with over 10% living in Western Sydney.
About us:
ABOUT HCF HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers almost 2 million members with health and life insurance, travel, pet, home and car insurance. HCF has been awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance by Canstar nine years in a row from 2016-2024. On average over the last ten years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. ** To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us
** 89.2% compared to 85.6% across the industry. Calculated based on the average of the past 10 years, sourced from APRA Statistics: Private Health Insurance Operations Reports 2014-23.
Contact details:
To arrange an interview with Palvisha, please contact Joni Thomes
M: 0475 576 738
