Law student nominated for NSW Woman of the Year

An 18 year old student from the University of Western Sydney who pioneered community initiatives to send second hand laptops to schools in developing countries and provide IT training to new migrants has been nominated for the NSW Young Woman of the Year Award.

Second year International Studies and Law student Lakshmi Logathassan is part of the UWS Academy program, which develops future leaders by providing them with hands-on industry and community experience.

The daughter of Sri Lankan migrants, Lakshmi developed the ‘Laptop Project’ while captain of  St George Girls High School to send government-funded laptops from graduating high school students to rural and remote schools in Kenya and Sri Lanka.

Now in its third year, the Laptop Project has expanded across Sydney and more than 250 laptops have been donated to schools in need.

Last year, Lakshmi helped spearhead proposals to collect funding from local councils for the ‘Laptops for IT Training Program’ to teach newly-arrived migrants computer skills.

During her summer break, she also conducted English workshops in rural schools in Sri Lanka, and continues to work with the teaching staff to develop an English teaching program tailored to the students in the region.

"Being nominated for this award is a big nod to all youngsters like me who are taking the steps to turn their thoughts and vision into action," says the Western Sydney resident.

"Everyone has a passion that drives them to do what they do and I found mine in this particular field of work.”

“My experiences have taught me that it is never too early realise your passion, dream big and achieve outcomes for not only yourself, but for your community and the wider world."

Ends

25 February 2014

Contact: Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer

Photos: Courtesy of the Daily Telegraph