From left: Jai Narayan College principal, Navin Raj, Westpac manager Sustainability, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, winners: Mary Blakelock, Sera Kavekai,Raina Ram, Vasenai Lauta, Westpac head of marketing, Nirmala Nambiar and Westpac Fiji general manager, Adrian Hughes. Photo: WESTPAC FIJI
Westpac announces education grant wins for six
By RANOBA BAOA
Westpac Fiji general manager, Adrian Hughes, has stressed that relevant statistics have proved that educated women contribute significantly to an economy.
He made these comments yesterday as six women were awarded the Westpac Women’s Education grant in round four of the programme at Jai Narayan College in Suva.
“Studies show that the greater the education of women and the more they participate in the economy, the more the dynamic growth is experienced in the country,” he said.
“For women and girls themselves, it’s not just about having a better education, it’s also about increased confidence and higher self-esteem.”
The grant which looks to improve the lives of women and girls in primary, secondary and tertiary levels, received close to 400 applications this time around.
Westpac Fiji noted this was an increase by 29 per cent previously.
Mr Hughes said more than 160 women and girls across the region are staying longer in school since the grant’s inception in 2011.
Grant review
Meanwhile, as the grant programme gains strong recognition, Westpac manager sustainability, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, said they are looking to review the scheme for the next round.
“The essays are really competitive and as you’ve seen are changing the lives of women in Fiji,” she said.
“One thing we’d like to raise from the judge’s point of view is for participants to answer the question carefully.”
She noted a few applicants had the tendency to deviate from the essay topic.