detailed in Chapter 4. Examples from five alumni described the ways in which their on-award networks have enabled them to contribute to their country’s development: The close networks of friends I was able to have during and after my studies. We still keep in touch and share knowledge about specific issues that are important in the region. Alumna from Samoa Networks developed on-award - sharing experiences with other awardees and passing this to my local womenfolk back home. Alumnus from PNG I had full support of my supervisor and our contact person from Curtin really kept in touch and tried to help us when she had an opportunity. Alumnus from Philippines The network developed is unique; there is a bond and a willingness to assist knowing that the common factor is the Australian experience. Alumnus from Fiji The most significant factor was to be socially exposed to other AusAid awardees over a long period to build knowledge and trust. Alumna from South Africa Although few alumni made reference, a key enabling factor raised by some was the value placed on their active Australia Awards and Australian alumni networks in their home countries. These comments are included here as they align closely with current DFAT policies on alumni engagement and offer examples of direct benefit received through continued engagement with like-minded peers. In particular, two alumni described their respective Australian alumni associations as a key factor supporting their contribution to country development: Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association provides Professional Development Skills Workshops and Members attend. Employers support by letting staff attend such workshops. Alumnus from PNG As members of the Australian Alumni we are able to stay connected and share useful information and experiences on the current issues facing our region. Alumna from Samoa Barriers to contribution Alumni were also asked to provide information on issues that have challenged their ability to use their new knowledge, skills or networks to contribute when they return from award. The section below outlines the most common issues identified by alumni which largely centred on the workplace. The following four issues were the most commonly referenced barriers to contribution by alumni in order of prominence: culture: workplace, bureaucracy (i.e. reluctance to change, favouring seniority over experience, inflexible regulations) lack of work opportunities/mismatch of skills to job
detailed in Chapter 4. Examples from five alumni described the ways in which their on-award networks have enabled them to contribute to their country’s development: The close networks of friends I was able to have during and after my studies. We still keep in touch and share knowledge about specific issues that are important in the region. Alumna from Samoa Networks developed on-award - sharing experiences with other awardees and passing this to my local womenfolk back home. Alumnus from PNG I had full support of my supervisor and our contact person from Curtin really kept in touch and tried to help us when she had an opportunity. Alumnus from Philippines The network developed is unique; there is a bond and a willingness to assist knowing that the common factor is the Australian experience. Alumnus from Fiji The most significant factor was to be socially exposed to other AusAid awardees over a long period to build knowledge and trust. Alumna from South Africa Although few alumni made reference, a key enabling factor raised by some was the value placed on their active Australia Awards and Australian alumni networks in their home countries. These comments are included here as they align closely with current DFAT policies on alumni engagement and offer examples of direct benefit received through continued engagement with like-minded peers. In particular, two alumni described their respective Australian alumni associations as a key factor supporting their contribution to country development: Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association provides Professional Development Skills Workshops and Members attend. Employers support by letting staff attend such workshops. Alumnus from PNG As members of the Australian Alumni we are able to stay connected and share useful information and experiences on the current issues facing our region. Alumna from Samoa Barriers to contribution Alumni were also asked to provide information on issues that have challenged their ability to use their new knowledge, skills or networks to contribute when they return from award. The section below outlines the most common issues identified by alumni which largely centred on the workplace. The following four issues were the most commonly referenced barriers to contribution by alumni in order of prominence: culture: workplace, bureaucracy (i.e. reluctance to change, favouring seniority over experience, inflexible regulations) lack of work opportunities/mismatch of skills to job
global-tracer-survey-report-1996-2005.docx