Bamaga Enterprises grants record number of university scholarships

Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL) has provided six scholarships totalling $90,000 for students from Northern Peninsula Area State College (NPASC) to complete university studies in 2021, the highest number it has ever provided. 

BEL Chairperson, Robert Poipoi, said the Indigenous, community-owned organisation had never received more than three applications per year previously.

“The BEL board members were so pleased with the decision to increase the number of scholarships available per year from three to six under its Socio Support Policy and will look to supporting even more in the future,” Mr Poipoi said.

“Most of these students have needed to move across the state to begin their studies and the funding from BEL will provide vital assistance towards tuition and living expenses.”

Phebe Moore, Head of Learning at NPASC, worked closely with the students on their applications and has continued to provide support for their transition to tertiary education. She says the scholarships from BEL have been crucial for the many upfront costs needed to set up students to live away from home.

“Other financial support options can take a long while so without BEL’s support, I’m not sure they would have been able to get there,” she said.

“It’s also given the students a sense of confidence to be getting out there and setting themselves up, without relying on their families to support them financially.

“Each of the students have chosen compelling pathways and are passionate about bringing their new knowledge and skills back to the Bamaga community.”

Scholarship recipient Jamani Elu said, “The BEL scholarship has helped me a lot to pay for my books, my stationery and my rent. This has been a blessing.”

Shanirah-Nay Kiwat (Bachelor Government and International Relations at Griffith University) would like to work in politics. She is keen to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and wants to represent Indigenous people and their rights.

“I’ve always wanted to pursue a career where I can both travel and help my people. Becoming a politician would not only allow me to do both of these things, but also enable me to educate Australia and other countries about my culture. I will be able to learn new skills that I can bring back to my community and contribute to its continuous growth. 

“I am extremely appreciative of the opportunities the scholarship has opened up for me and am excited to see what new adventures lie ahead,” Ms Kiwat said. 

Jamani Elu (Diploma of Education Studies at Griffith College/Bachelor of Education at Griffith University) was inspired by a teacher that passed away recently, and growing up she enjoyed assisting in the care of her many younger siblings. She is motivated to be a teacher to help ease the transition of Indigenous young people into school and society, especially with language. 

“I want to help the community to value and celebrate our Indigenous language again. I dream of giving students the ability to imagine big, think creatively, to encourage them, and give them opportunities.”

The six below students each received $15,000 scholarships ($5,000 per annum for three years):

• Shanirah-Nay Kiwat – Bachelor of Government and International Relations (Griffith University)
• Jamani Elu – Diploma of Education Studies (Griffith College)/ Bachelor Education (Griffith University)
• Naomi Motlop – Diploma of Business Studies (Central Queensland University)
• Zidanie Mudu – Diploma Higher Education (James Cook University)       
• Alice Solomon - Bachelor of Nursing (ACU)
• Kendolyn Williams - Bachelor of International Tourism/Bachelor of Business (Griffith University)