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WA Refugee's Daughter Fights For Carer Education Equity
12 Oct
Summary
- A young carer from WA juggles studies and family support needs.
- She advocates for better university pathways for students with caregiving roles.
- Young carers report increased loss of childhood and navigating government systems.
Sara Qalandari, who became a carer for her family at 10 after migrating to Western Australia as a refugee, is now a 25-year-old university student. She shoulders responsibilities for her mother's health appointments and her siblings' educational needs, alongside caring for her brother with a visual impairment.
Despite completing a biomedical sciences degree and pursuing psychology, Qalandari's aspiration to become a doctor is hampered by her extensive caregiving duties. She contends that competing for medical school places on an equal footing with applicants without such responsibilities is exceedingly difficult and unfair.
Qalandari is campaigning for improved university pathways for carers and individuals with disabilities. She emphasizes that carers should not be forced to choose between their dreams and their loved ones, highlighting the development of valuable skills like advocacy and empathy through their roles.
Recent findings indicate that 65% of young carers aged 12-25 feel they have lost their childhood, an increase from the previous year. Many find navigating government systems challenging, and access to peer support is declining, with only 17.9% able to connect with others like them. Carers Australia CEO Joanna Cave noted that carers often experience lower financial stability and physical health.
