Day 9 First day of issue stamp challenge
This stamp of 11/May/1987 celebrates Technology, Education, & Society:Future Directions RMIT Centenary International Conference 1987. In 1987 a lucky cohort had free tertiary education. That privilage from the Whitlam government was soon closed. At the time no one spoke of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) except for the Nerds (my prejudice on display once more - I really am sorry) who were smart enough to study these subject straight from school.
The stamp is of a non descript university bell tower.
#stamps, #education, #STEM, #anniversary, #history, #socialogy.

Day 2 Stamp challenge
First day envelope 3. Welfare was the philatelic message of. August 1980. The images are of two religious groups and two encouraging health with others. At the period it was considered an honourable thing to volunteer some of your time to help others. By volunteering the health of the aide and the assisted was improved. Some, too few, still do it.
The message to us that we remain active is equally true to us today. Working and playing with other improves our serotonin uptake and we feel better.
My attitute to religious groups has changed since 1980. In the case of the Salvation Army I cannot forgive them for accepting government money to assist with the welfare of asylum seekers imprisoned in Nauru. It proved a bad decision for everyone involved no matter the intention. It is my view Churches have turned from their god to become businesses in benefit of their taxfree status. None more evident than their work in education.
As a beneficiary of a sound public school education, despite my parents love for their church, I lament the downfall of State Schools. When the Federal Government aided Churches directly the stage was set for this to happen. Education has been the loser.
#stamps,#welfare,#socialogy,#philosophy,#HealthDrinks.