These yearly scholarships are awarded through Australian Rotary Health to Indigenous tertiary students as a way to support the barriers of tertiary study and qualification in Australian Indigenous populations. They are jointly funded by a Rotary Club or District and the State or Federal Government. Each scholarship is worth $5,000 per year.
The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick has been funding one of these scholarships each year, for the at least the last 15 years.
Our Scholar this year is Jesse, who is studying Vision Science at Flinders University. Jesse wrote recently to update us on his progress:
"I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you and the Botany Randwick Rotary club for the invaluable support extended to me throughout 2023. The club’s generosity through the Rotary Indigenous Health Scholarship played a pivotal role in allowing me to engage my studies at university.
"The past year was undoubtedly challenging, and without the financial assistance provided by the club, I would have faced significant hurdles in maintaining my enrolment. Your commitment to fostering education and supporting Indigenous Health students, has made a tangible difference in my academic journey, and I am truly thankful for that.
"On a personal note, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Towards the end of last year, my partner and I received the joyous news that we are expecting our first child. It's an incredibly special time for us, filled with anticipation and excitement for the future.
"However, due to the high cost of living in Sydney, we have made the decision to relocate to Adelaide. This move will afford us cheaper accommodation in a larger space, with my partners family close by for extra support. While it saddens me to bid farewell to the East coast, I am also enthusiastic about this new chapter in our lives. The prospect of starting a family in Adelaide is both exhilarating and full of promise. Despite the physical distance, please know that the impact of the Rotary club's support this past year will resonate with me as I embark on this new journey.
"I am pleased to inform you that I will be continuing my studies in Optometry at Flinders University, and I am eager to contribute to the Vision science and clinical optometric field in a meaningful way.
"Once again, thank you, Greg, and the entire Botany Randwick Rotary club, for your valued support. Your belief in the potential of students like myself is genuinely appreciated, and I look forward to updating you on my academic and life progress in the years to come.