Melody Steyn is the 18th winner of this scholarship, undertaking a Diploma in Social Sciences. A true inspiration, Melody grew up in South Africa and was the first in her family to complete high school. She lost her sight in her 20’s and was unable to continue study in her home country as, at the time, they did not offer any support for disabled students.

Melody came from a challenging family background and her lifelong goal has been to advocate for the disabled community and to encourage diversity and inclusion in all aspects of study, work, and life. 

Taylor Hodgson works for a mental health and disability service and through her own recovery journey and lived experience she has found her passion in helping those suffering from eating disorders and showing them that recovery is possible. Her goal is to open an Eating Disorder Recovery Centre in Tauranga. 

Pania is a mother of three studying a Post Graduate in Teaching Primary, having completed her Bachelor of Management Studies in 1999. She has worked with various non-profit organizations before going back to study, having more recently supported primary schools and homeschooling her own children. She wishes to follow in her families footsteps in equipping the next generation.

Tracey has been studying towards a Bachelor of Social Work, alongside volunteering with Heartkids Bay of Plenty and Welcome Bay Community Centre. Her life experiences have given her a passion for social work in helping others in the community.

Mother of two Ebony has been a part time teacher at Greenpark School, helping to coordinate Maori initiatives in the school. Her intentions in her study of Te Reo Maori is to open a bilingual unit at the school, helping Maori students feel more comfortable in the classroom.

Dorothea's passion for seeing our tamariki get the best experience in education led her to go back to study after 30 years. Her previous studies have made known to her the importance of high quality early childhood education, which she has strived to ensure all children have this opportunity. Her intentions after study are to be a developing kaiako, working in a early childhood setting. 

Yasmin has dedicated herself to the empowerment and education of all people, especially the vulnerable, such as migrants and victims of domestic violence. The solo mother of two pursued a Bachelor of Social Work with high recognition of her academy achievements by the university.

Catherine is a single mother of five who displayed resilience and hard work during her studies. She pursued a Bachelor of Social Work, aligning with her interests in the significances of poverty and social marginalization in our community.

Sharon pursued a four year degree in social work. She has gone through court battles to get her two nieces into her care after being put in foster care. Her intention was to be employed in the social work sector while taking care of her two nieces.