Two young Dunghutti sisters have celebrated a remarkable academic achievement, graduating high school despite navigating profound personal challenges including the loss of their father, housing insecurity, and motherhood.
A Pathway Forged Through Adversity
Trevanna Ahoy, 22, and her sister Deslie, 20, from Kempsey on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, recently received their HSC certificates from Macleay Vocational College. Their journey to the graduation stage was far from conventional, marked by grief, instability, and the responsibilities of parenthood.
The pair had effectively given up on their studies six years ago following the sudden death of their father. A return to education in 2019 was swiftly followed by both sisters falling pregnant – Trevanna at 21 and Deslie at just 17. For many young women in their situation, this would have signalled the end of formal schooling.
The School That Provides a Lifeline
Macleay Vocational College, which serves around 115 students, specialises in supporting young people who have been excluded from mainstream education or face significant social and emotional barriers. Almost half of Kempsey's population is unemployed, according to census data, and the college aims to break cycles of disadvantage.
Principal Megan Nicholls describes the institution as a "last-chance school for a lot of kids." It provides essential wrap-around support, including food, transport, and access to psychologists, counsellors, and social workers. For the Ahoy sisters, the college's Ginda Barri Mums and Bubs Program was transformative.
The programme offers:
- Transport via a dedicated school bus for young mothers and their children.
- Onsite childcare while parents attend classes.
- Food provisions and cooking facilities.
- Connection to health, housing, and other vital support services through a dedicated social worker.
"I probably wouldn’t have got anything done if there wasn’t a school like this," Trevanna acknowledged.
Juggling Nappies and Textbooks
The sisters' determination was tested repeatedly. Trevanna took six months off after the birth of her son, Daniel, and faced housing insecurity, living with various relatives before securing community housing with the school's help earlier this year. Deslie returned to class just six weeks after her son, Ezzard, was born.
In a further twist, both women fell pregnant again this year, adding severe morning sickness and extra medical appointments to their already demanding schedules of motherhood and HSC study. They leaned on each other for support, despite the occasional sibling row. "It helped us both," Deslie said.
Their motivation was deeply personal. Deslie shared that completing school was a promise to their late father. "It was one thing our Dad wanted us to do, to finish school. I just did it for Dad," she explained.
When graduation day arrived, the sisters mounted the stage with a mix of pride and trepidation, cheered on by a proud contingent that included their young sons. "It was really good at the end of the day. I’m glad I did it," Trevanna reflected, having overcome her initial fear of tripping in her formal gown and heels.
Their story stands as a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of tailored educational support that addresses the holistic needs of students facing complex life circumstances.
