Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery has delivered exciting news to two aspiring teachers who are the recipients of the Bob Hawke Aboriginal teacher scholarships.
Athena Lee and Aaron Haji Ali are the inaugural winners of the scholarship that will support them to complete their secondary teaching qualifications.
Athena, a Palawa woman from Nipaluna country, is currently studying a Bachelor of Education at Edith Cowan University.
Originally from Broome in the Kimberley region, Aaron is a Yawuru Karajarri man. He is currently working part-time as an Aboriginal education assistant while doing his Bachelor of Education at The University of Notre Dame Australia.
Both recipients are undergraduate students and are eligible to receive up to $30,000 to support them to complete their studies.
The scholarships are named in honour of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke because of his lifelong support of indigenous rights, and his vision for a fair and inclusive Australia.
Winners were selected by a panel of experts. The scholarships will be offered annually to support aspiring Aboriginal teachers to complete their secondary teaching qualification. Undergraduate scholarships are valued at up to $30,000, while future recipients completing a postgraduate teaching qualification will receive up to $16,000.
The Department is focused on increasing the number of Aboriginal secondary teachers in Western Australia to make sure schools are culturally inclusive environments.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"I'm proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Bob Hawke Aboriginal teacher scholarships.
"Athena Lee and Aaron Haji Ali are both inspiring young people who I know will make a positive impact on the lives of their future students.
"Athena spends most of her spare time volunteering with organisations that educate and provide opportunities for children.
"Aaron grew up in the Kimberley region and hopes to work with students in rural and regional areas to make sure they have access to a useful education to prepare them for successful lives.
"I look forward to following their progress and I wish them all the very best as they complete their tertiary education."
