“I personally valued the opportunity I received from AIEF and wanted to share it with others, allowing someone else to benefit in the same way.”
Meet Jacquin (Jac), a proud Gunditjmara man who completed Year 12 at Melbourne Grammar School on an AIEF Scholarship in 2019. His parents always dreamed of him attending boarding school as it would give him “limitless opportunities” and he would be the first boy in the family to complete Year 12.
At Melbourne Grammar, Jac immersed himself in school life, embracing opportunities to learn and lead. In Year 11, Jac travelled to Cape York to visit local Indigenous communities and learn about the diversity of Indigenous cultures, deepening his understanding of cultural identity. At school, he mentored younger Indigenous students, offering guidance and strengthening the support network within the Indigenous Program.
After graduating from Year 12, Jac became a director at Borun Trading, an Indigenous enterprise created with a former classmate. Their business helps companies meet social procurement targets by sourcing and supplying construction materials, plant and equipment that support major infrastructure projects.
From day one, Borun Trading was built with purpose and donates a percentage of profits to Indigenous charities, including AIEF. Their long-term vision is to establish a legacy of opportunity by funding full scholarships for cohorts of Indigenous students every year.
From classroom to company director, Jac’s journey is a powerful example of the ripple effect your generosity can create. When one young person is supported to thrive, their success strengthens their family, their community and ultimately our nation.
Donate today to support more young Indigenous people like Jac shape their future through education.
