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Students light path for disadvantaged women

16 April 2008

SIFE Monash's first project for 2008 is called soy candle independence. It aims to teach out-of-work immigrant mothers how to make, market and sell soy candles.

A group of Monash students is hoping to improve opportunities for disadvantaged women as well as develop their own business skills.

Students in Free Enterprise Monash (SIFE) have put the call out to students and faculty supervisors to join them in implementing innovative community development projects.

SIFE Monash is made up of 10 students from faculties including Arts, Law, IT and Commerce.

The team works together to develop and implement projects that create greater economic opportunity for disadvantaged individuals while learning valuable skills in social responsibility and leadership.

The projects are then presented to a panel of business representatives at a national SIFE competition with winners going on to compete with leading universities from around the world.

SIFE Monash's first project for 2008 is called soy candle independence. It aims to teach out-of-work immigrant mothers how to make, market and sell soy candles.

The first stage has been to expand an existing small business by improving methods of production, increasing profits and breaking into the commercial market after which time immigrant participants will work alongside the business owner.

Last year's Monash team developed a handbook to help disadvantaged individuals navigate the justice system, equipping them with essential life and financial skills along the way. The project proved successful with SIFE Monash taking home $2000 and a trip to the HSBC Financial Literacy Forum in New York at the National Championships.

SIFE Monash member Manoja Josyula said: "SIFE is about taking what you have learnt from university to the community and making a real, sustainable difference.

"It is an excellent avenue to improve professional and personal expertise in an international business context and is an invaluable opportunity to nurture a wide range of skills.

"We're looking for students with skills in design, IT and media as well as students from various faculties such as Commerce, Education, Law, Design, Technology and Arts."

This year's National Competition will be held in Brisbane from July 10-12. The winning team will represent Australia at the SIFE World Cup in Singapore in October.

If you are interested in becoming involved in SIFE or if you would like further information email sifemonash@hotmail.com or visit the SIFE Australia website.