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Learning to ask for help: How Bakr overcame adversity to complete his VCE-VM

Learning to ask for help: How Bakr overcame adversity to complete his VCE-VM

Aug 4 2026
Two smiling people holding graduation certificate together on stage

For Bakr el Haouli, completing his Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE-VM - VCE0000001) was about much more than gaining a qualification. It was the culmination of years of persistence, personal growth, and one life-changing lesson; asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. 

Bakr’s educational journey has been anything but straightforward. After leaving high school in Year 9, he struggled to find a learning environment that met his needs. Living with ADHD and navigating complex learning challenges, he found mainstream schooling overwhelming. 

“I wasn’t coping,” he said. “If I didn’t understand something, I just wouldn’t do it. Learning was really difficult for me.” 

After leaving school, Bakr spent several years working in construction and trying to find his place. He also faced significant personal challenges, including homelessness, incarceration, and struggles with mental health. 

“There was a period where I had no food, no shelter, no phone and no support,” he said. “I gave up on school and I gave up on myself.” 

The turning point came when Bakr made a conscious decision to seek support. 

“I put my hand up and said, ‘I need help’. That was the biggest thing. I started asking for help from anyone who could support me.” 

With the guidance of a support worker and staff at Hester Hornbrook Academy, Bakr found his way back into education. When he aged out of the school before completing Year 12, his support team helped him transition to Melbourne Polytechnic to finish his VCE-VM studies. 

From the moment he arrived, Bakr embraced every opportunity available to him. 

“The teachers, the education support staff, everyone was so patient,” he said. “If I struggled with something, they helped me. If I needed extra time, they helped me. I never felt alone.” 

For someone who had previously struggled to engage with education, learning to ask questions and seek assistance became the key to Bakr’s success. 

“Wherever I am today is because of the support people gave me and the time they put into helping me,” he said. 

 

Two people shaking hands on stage wearing formal graduation robes

 

Throughout his studies, Bakr worked hard to stay focused on his goal of completing Year 12. He attended classes consistently and persevered through assessments. He even completed an Introductory Jewellery short course (SMM001) at Melbourne Polyetchnic at the same time, putting aside $45 a week until he had saved enough to cover the course fees. 

“There were lots of obstacles,” he said. “But I learned to take things slowly, be patient and keep going. If I needed help, I’d reach out because I didn’t want to get to the end and realise I hadn’t finished something because I was too afraid to ask.” 

At 27 years old, Bakr became a role model for many of his classmates, encouraging others, participating in group activities and helping create an inclusive classroom community. 

“I just came to school, was myself and tried to be good to everyone,” he said. “We were all there to reach the finish line together.” 

His teachers noticed that commitment and Bakr’s determination was recognised at the 2026 Melbourne Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony, where he was named Outstanding Student of the Year in the Emerging Leader, Foundation category. 

Receiving the award came as a surprise, but held deep personal meaning. 

“I felt heard,” Bakr said. “I felt recognised for all the hard work I’d put in to change my life.” 

 

 

Today, Bakr continues to build on that success. Shortly after completing his studies he secured employment with social enterprise Fruit2Work, an organisation that creates pathways to employment for people who have faced barriers to work. 

After several years of difficulty finding employment, securing the role was another major milestone. 

“They gave me a chance,” he said. “That’s all people need sometimes – a chance.” 

While he acknowledges that challenges remain, Bakr is focused on continuing to grow, maintain his independence and support others facing similar struggles. 

His message to current and future students is simple. 

“If you want help, ask for it. Don’t be scared. You’ve got teachers, family, friends and organisations that want to support you. There’s always help out there if you’re willing to take it.” 

As Melbourne Polytechnic’s Outstanding Student of the Year, Bakr hopes his story will inspire others to believe that no matter how difficult the journey, it is never too late to start again.