Akisi Nailaba, a second-year nursing student at the University of Fiji, found the Westpac Women and Girls Education Grant to be a timely blessing last year, as it covered half of her tuition fees.
Ms. Nailaba was encouraged by a cousin to apply for the grant. Although she did not expect to win, she put her best effort into crafting an essay that addressed the theme of breaking down societal inequalities in Fiji. Drawing insights from women’s groups in her village and online research, she successfully conveyed her perspective.
Reflecting on her experience, Akisi encourages others to apply for the grant, stressing its significant impact despite the effort required in the application process.
“It wasn’t easy for me, but I did do my best to understand the topic, relate it to my life, and be able to answer the essay question. To my surprise, I got the call that I had received the grant. It really was timely and helped me a lot with my tuition fees, and I am so thankful to Westpac!”
The 2024 grant competition invites primary school students to create posters depicting a supportive environment for girls, while secondary school students are tasked with writing about empowering women in Fiji. Tertiary and adult learners are encouraged to share personal experiences showcasing the benefits of investing in women and girls.
Applications for this year’s grant close on July 31.
For more information regarding the grant, visit www.westpac.com.fj.