$10,000 indigenous nursing scholarship awarded
Malika Carter of Whyalla was this year’s well-deserved recipient of the $10,000 Resthaven Indigenous Nursing Student scholarship.
‘Malika was an outstanding candidate from the start,’ says Resthaven Executive Manager, Governance and Workforce Development, Wendy Morey.
‘She explained to the selection panel that she greatly values family and the importance of older people in their community. To her, dignity and respect were very important. These key factors underpin Resthaven’s own core values of trust, dignity and respect for older people.’
Malika, a proud Narungga/Barngarla woman from Whyalla, is 20 years old and currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree at UniSA (Whyalla campus).
‘My inspiration to pursue a career in health came at a young age, influenced by my mum, who worked as an Aboriginal Health Worker for more than 25 years,’ Malika says.
‘I grew up watching her deliver services to the Aboriginal community, and her passion for helping her people motivated me to want to go one step further and become a Registered Nurse.’
‘As an Aboriginal person, I have personally been affected by, and witnessed, the disadvantages Aboriginal people face throughout their lives. This has given me an ambition to help Aboriginal people by raising awareness and educating about the importance of managing and maintaining good health.’
‘I am also passionate about supporting and educating non-Indigenous people about how best to deliver culturally sensitive services and practices appropriate to Aboriginal clients.’
‘My interest in aged care stems from growing up with many elderly “grandparents” who were influential throughout my life. Seeing the difficulties faced by them, their families, and even the staff, I know that combining my cultural knowledge and medical skills will be beneficial and rewarding.’
‘It is my belief, both culturally and personally, that our elders play a significant role in our lives by sharing their knowledge and skills.’
‘They are the strength and wisdom of our culture, and it is important that this is not forgotten or lost in their later years.’
The scholarship provided Malika with $10,000 over two years, relieving the financial burden on her as she progresses with her study.
Congratulations, Malika!