In the past decade, Soroptimist International of Waimea has awarded more than $27,000 to women who could benefit from financial help in their studies, and now another $3,000 is being offered.
Every year the organisation offers the education grant to women over 25 who are undertaking full-time tertiary study, and Waimea’s secretary Annette Smith says it has helped women complete their studies and go on to successful careers.
The money can be used wherever it is needed by the successful applicant and in the past has been used to upgrade a laptop and even car repairs so the student could get to their classes. Annette says it can be used for childcare if that is what is needed to help a student complete their studies.
“For a while, the majority were young mums who had left school early and decided to go back studying. It’s a big commitment to go into full-time study and one student in the past had three little kids.
“I admire them going back to study, particularly if they have children. There have been applications from people who have up to four part-time jobs to get them through their studies.”
Applications for the grant close on 8 February and she says a stringent vetting programme follows to select someone for the financial assistance. The organisation fundraises throughout the year to provide grants and support within the community and to charitable groups.
Last year, a contract to provide morning tea to an organisation several times a year provided a good base for its fundraising. Its main goal is to help women and girls in education, though Annette says its work goes much wider than that. Next month it will take part in raising funds to support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
