SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SUPPORTS ASPIRING INDIGENOUS TEACHERS

Indigenous Queenslanders who aspire to become teachers are being given the chance to realise their dream with the help of a State Government scholarship.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today called for applications for the 2008 Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships.

“Up to 15 scholarships worth up to $20,000 are available in 2008,” Mr Welford said.

“It’s important that our teaching workforce mirrors the diversity of people and cultures in our communities.

“That’s why our Government is committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers working in our schools and to improving education and employment opportunities for Indigenous Queenslanders.

“Apart from the positive contribution Indigenous teachers make to our schools, they also serve as important role models, not only for the children they teach, but also for their local communities.”

Mr Welford said the scholarship program was named in honour of Aboriginal teacher Pearl Duncan, who had dedicated her life to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in education.

“The scholarships provide financial assistance to scholarship holders to gain a degree in education at a Queensland university,” he said.

“Since their inception eight years ago, the scholarships have assisted more than 105 recipients with their teaching studies.”

Scholarship holders are guaranteed employment with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts following successful completion of their degree and an assessment.

Applications close on 15 October with successful nominees offered a scholarship in December, conditional on their gaining entry into a teaching degree at a Queensland university.

More information about the scholarships can be found at:

http://education.qld.gov.au/students/grants/scholarships/indigenous/

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000