Nursing scholarship to empower underprivileged women

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Spring 23-11-2011

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney Campus, is delighted to announce a new nursing scholarship opportunity, available through the Sisters of Charity Foundation, for young women who have recently left out of home care.

The scholarship offers women who have experienced a disadvantaged start in life the opportunity to complete tertiary education, with tuition fully paid for Notre Dame’s three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree, including text books, uniforms and support for participation in community events.

Sally Robertson, Associate Dean of the School of Nursing, said Notre Dame is grateful to the Sisters of Charity Foundation for investing in the lives of young women and empowering them through education to break the cycle of disadvantage.

“This scholarship is in keeping with the University’s core value of ‘Providing a university education within the context of catholic faith and values,’” Ms Robertson said.

“For the recipients of this scholarship it can be the catalyst for both individual and societal change.”

Richard Haddock, Chairman of the Sisters of Charity Foundation, said Notre Dame is a supportive learning environment for the scholarship students because of its emphasis on pastoral care.

“We chose to partner with Notre Dame because it’s a unique university that would give the scholarship recipients a chance to excel in a caring environment where the students’ individual needs can be met,” Mr Haddock said.

Scholarship applicants also benefit from Notre Dame’s flexible entry requirements, which make provisions for those who were unable to complete their schooling or did not perform as well as they hoped in their final exams. In these circumstances, applicants who meet the scholarship criteria can undertake study through one of two Alternative Entry Programs offered at Notre Dame, the Tertiary Enabling Program or the Foundation Year Program. These programs support students with academic writing, literacy and research skills and, if successfully completed, students can enrol in the Bachelor of Nursing.

Richard Haddock said providing young women with a tertiary education has a compounding effect, it is a stepping stone that helps them succeed and in turn, helps their families succeed.

“The Sisters of Charity Foundation is keen to make a difference in people’s lives and we see this as a way of educating young women who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to gain a tertiary education and go onto a career that offers many opportunities,” Mr Haddock said.

Ms Robertson said the School of Nursing is looking forward to welcoming the scholarship recipients and helping them to reach their personal and professional goals.

Applications and expressions of interest are open to any individual who would like to be considered for a scholarship. For further information, contact the Prospective Students Office on (02) 8204 4404 or sydney@nd.edu.au.

For further information please contact: Communications Officer, Elizabeth Fenech The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney Campus

T: 02 8204 4407

E: elizabeth.fenech@nd.edu.au

W: www.nd.edu.au/

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