Author: Richard Morgan

The transformative power of education is vividly reflected in the lives of three postgraduate students from Kenya who are now thriving members of the St Paul’s College community at the University of Sydney. Their journeys—from modest beginnings in rural and urban Kenya to postgraduate study in Australia—are a testament to resilience, ambition, and the life-changing impact of educational opportunity.

Victor Kibisu, Jacinta Onwonga, and Patrick Matata each arrived at St Paul’s through the support of the Oasis Africa Foundation, a humanitarian organisation committed to bridging educational inequality for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their stories exemplify the mission of Oasis Africa, which since 2002 has enabled hundreds of young Africans to access quality education and pursue their academic potential.

• Victor Kibisu joined St Paul’s in Semester 2, 2024, to pursue a Master of Data Science, following his Bachelor of Science from the University of Eldoret.
• Jacinta Onwonga arrived in the same semester to study a Master of Commerce, having completed a BSc in Strategic Management at Moi University.
• Patrick Matata commenced in Semester 1, 2025, undertaking a Master of Computer Science after earning a Bachelor of Information Technology from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

All three students grew up in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements, where access to education is limited and daily survival is a challenge. Through Oasis Africa’s scholarship program, they received full support for their primary and secondary education, and later for their undergraduate studies. Their academic excellence and determination led them to the top percentile of national exam results, opening the door to international study.

The University of Sydney provides Sydney International Equity Scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, covering tuition and living costs. In partnership with Oasis Africa, a new collaboration has enabled Victor, Jacinta, and Patrick to reside at St Paul’s, where they have become active and valued members of the postgraduate community.

Their integration into College life has been marked by meaningful friendships with both local and international students, and participation in events such as the St Paul’s College Foundation Dinner, where scholarship recipients were celebrated for the diversity and richness they bring to the College.

Reflecting on their experience, Victor describes the College as “enlightening and mind-blowing,” Jacinta praises the formal dinners as “very cool, dressing in gown and hoods”, and Patrick notes that “the food is quite different.” These impressions highlight the contrast between their current environment and their early lives, where they survived on less than US$3 a week.

Their shared history includes attending St John’s Primary School, where the best classes were held in the schoolmaster’s home. Jacinta, whose home language is Gusii—one of Kenya’s 42 local languages—excelled academically and sat her national exams a year early. Her aspiration to study in Australia was realised in 2024 through Oasis Africa’s support.

The Kenyan Government funds only the first year university fees, leaving students to finance the remainder. Oasis Africa continued to mentor and support these students through their undergraduate degrees, ultimately guiding them toward postgraduate study in Australia. Patrick recalls Oasis talked to him about another Commonwealth-member country, Australia, and his friend from Kibera school days, Jacinta, told him about this “multi-faceted college at Sydney University”. Patrick said “my dream came true … I felt I belonged in Sydney—the teaching is student-focused and practical support is provided for every unit.”

Looking ahead, all three students intend to return to Kenya, where they aim to contribute to their communities through the knowledge and experience gained at St Paul’s and the University of Sydney.

The College community deeply values the contributions of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Events and interactions with alumni have revealed shared stories of travel, work, and global engagement, enriching the intellectual and social fabric of St Paul’s. The postgraduate cohort’s energy is underpinned by this diversity, exemplifying the College’s commitment to multicultural excellence.

International students interested in applying for residency at St Paul’s are warmly encouraged to do so.

• Apply to St Paul’s College
• Sydney International Equity Scholarship – Scholarships

The College proudly congratulates current student John Kenny (BE(Hons)/BComm III) on receiving the Commendation for Brave Conduct, one of Australia’s prestigious Bravery Decorations. John is among 37 Australians recognised by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council for acts of courage and selflessness.

The awards were announced by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Moyston AC, Governor-General of Australia, in a special release timed to coincide with Wattle Day, 1 September. This marks the first time in the 50-year history of the Australian Honours System that a Bravery List has been unveiled on Wattle Day.

“I am proud to congratulate the most recent recipients of Australian Bravery Decorations,” said the Governor-General. “The golden wattle is Australia’s national floral emblem, and together with the crown, it is part of the Governor-General’s insignia. Today is a time to reflect on the qualities of resilience, courage, care, kindness, and respect, all intrinsic to the recipients.”

John Kenny’s commendation stems from a courageous act on 20 November 2019, when he intervened during a threatening incident on a bus in North Sydney. After a minor traffic collision, an aggressive individual boarded the bus and began intimidating students, including John’s 13-year-old brother. John stood up to the offender in an attempt to protect others and de-escalate the situation. He was physically assaulted, sustaining injuries to his face and eye, but his actions helped shield fellow passengers from further harm.

What began as a routine school bus ride turned into a frightening encounter when a car collided with the bus. Rather than ending with a simple exchange of details, the situation escalated into an aggressive confrontation.

John’s actions in that moment were nothing short of heroic. He didn’t respond with aggression, but with calm and courage—stepping in to de-escalate the situation and protect the younger students. His bravery was later acknowledged in court, where the Magistrate described the incident powerfully:

“This was a simple case of a car hitting a school bus that should have ended with the polite exchange of details. Instead, it escalated beyond road rage where the offender was a bully who tried to subdue children and had no right to do so. In the video we see a coward and a hero. A hero who stood up, not to confront but to calm the situation and look after others. If I was the school, or the father, or the mother I would be very proud of this young man who did what was right, standing and trying to talk to resolve the situation. I also feel for his younger brother, who was immediately threatened but wanted to help his brother that had just been assaulted.”

John will formally receive his award from Her Excellency later this year.

The College community commends John’s bravery and integrity and celebrates this national recognition of his courage. His actions exemplify the values we strive to uphold—resilience, compassion, and leadership in the face of adversity.

On Tuesday 19 August, the University of Sydney’s Intercollegiate Palladian competition reached a new milestone with its largest-ever vocal ensemble performance. St Paul’s College once again distinguished itself, setting a record with over 170 undergraduate and postgraduate students participating in the “B” choral ensemble—an extraordinary demonstration of musical enthusiasm and collegiate spirit.

Under the direction of Dr Jack Stephens, Director of Music, the majority of these students were trained from the ground up, many with no prior choral experience. Their development was supported by seasoned members of the College’s Chapel Choir, fostering a culture of mentorship and musical excellence.

The highlight of the evening came from the College’s “A” choral group, whose refined and expressive performance of Ruth McColl’s arrangement of Waltzing Matilda earned First Place in the competition. Their rendition was praised for its musicality, cohesion, and emotional depth.

This marks the second consecutive year that St Paul’s has won the Group Vocal category, reinforcing its reputation for artistic leadership and community engagement within the Intercollegiate community.

Final Results:

• 🥇 St Paul’s College – 3 points
• 🥈 St Andrew’s College – 2 points (equal second)
• 🥈 Wesley College – 1 point (equal second)

This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, the strength of collective effort, and the enduring value of leadership in the arts

St Paul’s College is proud to be part of the University of Sydney Open Day on Saturday 30 August, from 9am to 3pm.

Join us for a guided tour of our historic grounds and wonderful residential facilities, departing regularly from the entrance to the College Quadrangle (under the Albert Archway). No registration is required—just drop by, and one of our friendly student residents will be there to welcome you and show you around.

The University of Sydney will also be hosting a full day of events, talks, and activities across campus. To explore the full program and register for university-wide sessions, visit: Open Day 2025 – The University of Sydney

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hockey

Throughout May the long season of Rosebowl Hockey was played at the University’s Cumberland Campus and St George Randwick Hockey Club. In Round 1 St Andrew’s defeated St Paul’s 4 goals to nil. In Round 2 Abigail Ballhauson scored our only goal against St John’s who won by 4. In Round 3 Heidi Best scored our only goal against Wesley who won with 2. In Round 4 Sophie Davis, Olivia Greenwood and Sarah Poolman scored a goal each winning the game against Women’s. In Round 5 Skye Weston scored 2 goals along with Amelia Tabary-Edwards and Sarah Poolman scoring one each defeating Sancta.

St Paul’s secured equal 4th with Sancta and behind Wesley 3rd, St Andrew’s 2nd and St John’s 1st.

St John’s 1st with 9 points | St Andrew’s 2nd with 7 points | Wesley 3rd with 5 points | St Paul’s 4th (eq) with 2 points | Sancta 4th (eq) with 2 points | Women’s 6th

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Rugby

The three round-season of Rugby was dominated by a strong team from St John’s winning all of their games. In Round 1 we were beaten by St Andrew’s 52-5 with a try from Ed Taylor. In Round 2 St John’s overwhelmed us 73 to 5 with our try by Oli Stafford. In Round 3 Wesley forfeited allowing St Paul’s to take the win. This time in a friendly match St Paul’s Bo Baffsky, Will Power, Ed Taylor, Zac Warden and James McReery each scored tries and two conversions were kicked by Bo Baffsky to bring the score up to 31-8.

St John’s 1st with 7 points | St Andrew’s 2nd with 5 points | St Paul’s 3rd with 3 points | Wesley 4th with 1 point.

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Rugby 7s

Due to the event being washed-out Rugby 7’s has been moved to late semester 2.

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Previously reported:

Rowing – full story HERE

Rosebowl back-to-back Win!: St Paul’s 1st | St Andrew’s 2nd | St John’s 3rd | Wesley 4th | Women’s 5th | Sancta 6th

Rawson Cup: St John’s 1st | St Paul’s 2nd | St Andrew’s 3rd | Wesley 4th

Mixed race back-to-back win!: St Paul’s 1st | St John’s 2nd | Wesley 3rd | St Andrew’s 4th

Swimming – full story HERE

Rosebowl: Women’s 1st |  St Andrew’s 2nd | St Paul’s 3rd |  Sancta 4th | Wesley 5th  | St John’s 6th

Rawson Cup: St John’s 1^st |  St Andrew’s 2^nd | Wesley 3rd |  St Paul’s 4^th

Netball – full story HERE

Women’s 1st | St Andrw’s 2nd | St John’s 3rd | St Paul’s 4th | Wesley 5th | Sancta 6th

Cricket – full story HERE

St John’s 1st | St Paul’s 2nd | Wesley 3rd | St Andrews 4th

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POINT SCORES END OF SEM 1

Both contests have become really tight for St Paul’s in equal second and Semester 2 competitions will be hard fought to close in on St John’s in Rawson and St Andrew’s in Rosebowl. 

• Rawson Cup: St John’s 26 | St Paul’s 14 | St Andrew’s 14 | Wesley 10
• Rosebowl: St Andrew’s 28 | St Paul’s 19 | Women’s 19 | St John’s 19 | Wesley 10 | Sancta 5