My Australia Awards Story: Honouring my home country

What are your most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia?

One of my most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia was learning about its rich history. Through my interactions with locals and my studies at the Faculty of Education of the University of Melbourne, I came to know and understand Australia’s past and appreciate how it has shaped Australia today.
What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?

Australia is a good place for postgraduate education because it's a multicultural country and it allows you to honour your experiences from your home country.
In my experience, the University of Melbourne Faculty of Education gave me the freedom to approach and write my assessments and capstone project through the lens of the context I’m passionate about and operate in – the Philippines context. This not only allowed me to critically engage with my work but to also amplify and honour the stories of the Filipino people whom I’ve had the privilege of meeting throughout my years in the field of working towards meaningful education reform.
As Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?

As a Filipino scholar, I am most proud of the opportunity to represent my country in an international stage and contribute to meaningful initiatives that promote equity and inclusion. Being selected for the prestigious Students@Work Internship Program allowed me to work on projects that align with my passion for social justice, and this experience has strengthened my commitment to bringing these insights back home to drive positive change in the Philippines.
Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.
Eye-opening
Empowered by your Australian education, how do you plan to make a difference in your field, community, or organisation in the Philippines?

I plan to #MakeADifference by deepening the work that we do in my nonprofit organization, Síkat-Aurora. Empowered by my Australian education, I am committed to co-designing more community-driven programs that respond to the needs of those we serve. By integrating the inclusive practices and innovative approaches I have learned, I aim to create sustainable initiatives that uplift marginalized communities and foster social equity. My goal is to amplify local voices, enhance educational opportunities, and contribute to meaningful change in the Philippines.
RJ Belen completed his Master of Education from the University of Melbourne in 2024.