Three outstanding students were awarded a scholarship to support their studies in Children’s Services today at a morning tea celebration at Big Fat Smile.
Sallyann Bevilacqua from the University of Wollongong, Anita Nepia from TAFE Illawarra Wollongong Campus, and MacKenzie Viney from TAFE Illawarra Shellharbour Campus were recognised for their academic achievements in theoretical and practical course components, commitment to early childhood education, and career ambition for the Children’s Services industry.
In a commitment to Big Fat Smile’s vision to be braver, brighter, and more creative, the scholarship hopes to give students the funds necessary to promote the best possible start in life for children.
Anita from TAFE Wollongong campus who moved from New Zealand to Wollongong, hopes that the scholarship will allow her to gain fulltime employment on completion of her degree.
MacKenzie from TAFE Shellharbour campus would like to learn the creative Reggio art techniques that are used in Big Fat Smile community preschools and apply these skills to early education.
Sallyann from the University of Wollongong said that she would like to work with additional needs children and become an educational leader by raising awareness and providing support to educators.
Big Fat Smile CEO Bill Feld said that the scholarships aim to support students during their study and provide access to permanent jobs on completion.
“We want to invest in local talent and establish early relationships with our educators and leaders of the future,” he said.
Big Fat Smile has been a generous supporter of the UOW and TAFE Illawarra scholarship programs for several years and will continue to support Early Childhood Education students during their studies so that they can reach their potential.
