University of Queensland students from nine countries have entered a national online video competition to help raise awareness of social isolation.
The 30 English language students from UQ’s Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ) are chasing votes to help raise awareness and funds for community choir projects as part of the Sing for Good challenge.
Language teacher Vicki Bos, who leads the ICTE-UQ Chorus, said singing was like a second international language for the students and a great way for them to create connections, make friends and contribute to a good cause.
“This charity event is about raising money to reach out to disadvantaged people in the community through the inclusive power of music, so I felt it was perfect for our choir to get involved,” she said.
“It’s also a wonderful opportunity to raise students’ awareness of how they can make a difference in the world while doing something they love.
“Students can learn to express themselves through song, build their confidence, make friends, learn to be part of a team, and improve their language skills in a fun and interesting way.”
Ms Bos started the ICTE-UQ Chorus in 2008 to help her students with language learning.
“I wanted them to have the chance to practise pronunciation, increase their vocabulary and work on their fluency,” she said.
“The Chorus has grown into something so much more. It’s a place to socialise and build a community, and in a very real sense we are a family.”
With most of the international students living away from family for the first time, the Chorus enables students to meet new people and make new friends.
Colombian ICTE-UQ English language student Viviana Bernal Jimenez said she was proud to raise money for the community through music.
“To contribute with our music to charity is a wonderful opportunity to give something to other people that don’t have the necessary things,” she said.
“I joined the ICTE-UQ Chorus because I think it is a good opportunity to practise my English and also because I really love the music.
“You can practise your English skills, especially your pronunciation and also learn new vocabulary, but I think that the best and most important thing is that you make new friends and you can have fun.”
Vote for the ICTE-UQ Chorus at https://singforgood.org/entries/icte-uq-chorus-how-far-ill-go/ before 31 October.
Proceeds will support With One Voice community choir projects in three states, and winning entries will be screened in Federation Square in Melbourne.
The Sing for Good Video Challenge is a global online fundraising platform that encourages community singing to raise awareness of social isolation.
Media: Vicki Bos, ICTE-UQ, v.bos@icte.uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 6766; Caroline Bird, ICTE-UQ, c.bird@icte.uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 6707, +61 430 007 435.
