Rikesh began life as a social worker in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Nepal but he almost lost his life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since enrolling in ACAP University College’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) he has found his path supporting people facing homelessness in NSW.
Rikesh Maharajan is a source of stability to the clients he works with at The Salvation Army’s Foster House homelessness service. “Calm”, “encouraging”, “motivated” are all words his colleagues and clients use to describe him.
Hailing from Nepal, Rikesh is in the midst of completing his Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at ACAP University College, but his path to studying in Sydney was far from straightforward.
Rikesh began working as a social worker in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, working with local and international agencies to aid people who had lost everything in some of the country’s most remote areas.
Rikesh planned to explore study outside of social work internationally, but his initial plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in which he came close to losing his life.
“I was in a very serious situation due to COVID, I spent almost three weeks in hospital and they thought there was no chance of recovery, but somehow I made it through,” he said.
Following the terrifying experience, Rikesh began to reassess his life and choices, and ultimately decided to return to social work via the masters degree at ACAP University College in Sydney.
“Enrolling at ACAP was the obvious choice for me in terms of location, the support for international students and the cost. I love living in this city, it's an incredible place, and at ACAP there is so much diversity. Everyone comes from such different backgrounds and, as an international student, you feel really comfortable and accepted.”
Studying with ACAP’s highly skilled social work lecturers, Rikesh began to develop new perspectives and skills, reigniting his passion.
“I have learned new theories and techniques that make me a better social worker both in class and on placement,” he said.
“I developed a practice framework for the first time with the support of my lecturers, and the placement was a very transformative learning journey for me with ACAP.”
Rikesh was hired at Foster House after completing his placement there.
“The support ACAP has provided for the students in terms of supervision set it apart in my opinion,” he said.
“There is growing demand for social workers in Australia, and I think the tools you learn at ACAP leave you ready to join the workforce.”
Now Rikesh is motivated to continue working to support some of society’s most vulnerable people.
“I love the work I do with clients, and with my new skillset I really am helping to address the homelessness crisis in NSW,” he said. “One day I’m hoping to bring my new skills home to make a difference in Nepal.”
“Studying with ACAP has shown me I was made for social work and given me confidence that I have never had before. I can’t believe all that I am achieving in Australia with the help of ACAP.”
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