6 days ago
Entries for women's scholarship now open
Zonta Club of Oamaru advocacy committee chairwoman Rebecca Koberstein. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Gillies Family Scholarship, which recognises the importance of women having educational opportunities, is now open for applications.
After receiving a $1000 donation from Jude Gillies in 2022, the Zonta Club of Oamaru launched the Gillies Family Scholarship to help women aged 25 and over with tertiary education.
The Gillies family, formerly of North Otago, now live in Auckland and continue to fund the scholarship.
Advocacy committee chairwoman Rebecca Koberstein said she was proud Zonta was able to offer the education scholarship for the fourth year.
"It acknowledges the difficulty women have in achieving higher education, as this often coincides with having to balance a family and manage financial pressures."
As a result of awarding the grant, Zonta wants to make a positive impact on the recipient's family and greater community, Mrs Koberstein said.
Last year's recipient, Holly Baylis, is studying her "last paper" towards completing a graduate diploma in arts, majoring in psychology at Massey University.
Miss Baylis said the scholarship enabled her to continue her studies by helping her obtain the resources she needed for further education.
The young mother of three children, who battled and overcame addiction, will graduate this November and already has a role in the addiction field at mental health organisation Able Minds.
"This opportunity has enabled me to apply my knowledge and experience to support and give back to the community. Thank you, Zonta for helping me pursue my passion," Miss Baylis said.
Applicants must be undertaking recognised tertiary study, be enrolled in a qualification and live in the Waitaki district.
Anyone interested in an application form can contact Zonta at oamaruzonta@
Applications close on Wednesday.
