Speeches
Monday, 28 July 2025
Reception to thank supporters of the No Barriers Education Foundation
Rod and I warmly welcome you all to Government House.
I am pleased to be patron of the No Barriers Education Foundation which, in only five years, has achieved a great deal.
As Governor I have witnessed a strong spirit of giving in South Australians.
As a community, large numbers of us volunteer and donate to a range of not-for-profit organisations.
Many of these organisations are dedicated to supporting local people and addressing local issues – worthy and necessary endeavours.
However, it is important to note that only ten percent of charitable giving in Australia goes to overseas organisations and projects.
As former diplomats, Rod and I well appreciate the role of foreign aid and development work.
We have seen firsthand the impact of Australia’s aid efforts in developing countries, and how they are directly improving the lives of vulnerable people.
At a time of great uncertainty and changes to foreign aid globally, Australia’s – and South Australia’s – contributions have probably never been more important.
Foreign aid - driven by government, not-for-profit organisations or collaborations by both – plays a significant role in building peace and security throughout the world.
It creates economic and social opportunity and improves the health and wellbeing of millions of people.
South Australia’s aid efforts are also of benefit to our nation, promoting goodwill and respect, and growing people-to-people connections.
I thank No Barriers for assisting Zimbabwean children and young people to overcome barriers to education, to encourage their learning and to create opportunities for them to thrive.
Thanks to the generous support of donors, students at Muzarabani High School and Hwata Secondary School receive a range of support to help them complete their education, including menstrual and sexual health education, support with school fees, free meals and bicycles for transportation.
I congratulate No Barriers on supporting improvement in school engagement.
Since 2020, attendance has increased by 19 percent overall, with girls’ enrolment up 24 percent.
The number of girls leaving school due to early marriage or pregnancy has fallen considerably.
The school meals program is also helping to address poor nutrition.
I thank Sigrid Pfaffle for creating No Barriers, responding with enthusiasm and dedication to a call for help from school principals in Zimbabwe.
I thank No Barriers’ volunteers, including its Board of Directors, for donating their time, expertise and advice to the organisation.
I thank the local businesses who offer their facilities for No Barriers to use free of charge.
I thank the individuals and philanthropic foundations who make generous financial donations, as well as those supporters who use their networks, and networking skills, to grow No Barriers’ supporter base.
Congratulations to the No Barriers community on its support of young people in Zimbabwe.
Rod and I wish No Barriers all the very best as it continues its work, making a real difference to the lives of these young people and their families.