Korovuto Primary School student Krishiya Kumar won $500 in the 2023 Westpac Women and Girls Education Grant.

And this year, her elder sister and her mum Ashika Devi Kumar will apply for the grant too.

Since Krishiya’s win last year, Ms Kumar has excitedly shared the news about the grant with her friends, family, and community members, encouraging young girls and women to apply for this year’s funding.

“I am a second-year tertiary student, so I will also apply this year along with my older daughter, who is in Year 9. We’re all very excited for this year’s competition,” Ms Kumar said.

Keasi Balekula, mother of 2023 grant winner Salanieta Togenavanua, encouraged girls and women to apply for the grant this year.

“Don’t underestimate yourself and your abilities. I want girls to apply for this grant and to never give up on their aspirations,” she said.

Eight-year-old Salanieta, who attends Bhawani Dayal Primary School, dreams of becoming a flight attendant and travelling the world.

She won $500 last year. Her mum shared that Salanieta decided to save some of the money in her bank account and used the rest to buy school supplies.

Applications for the 2024 Westpac Women and Girls Education Grant are now open to all eligible females in Fiji!

The annual program offers 30 bright individuals the chance to win an education grant in one of three categories: Primary School ($500), Secondary School ($1,000), and Tertiary/Adult Learners ($2,500).

Westpac Fiji Chief Executive Shane Smith said, “Westpac has been supporting women and girls in Fiji to achieve their educational goals for the past 13 years, and it’s an initiative in which we take great pride.

“This year, the competition is based around the International Women’s Day theme “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress” and includes the option for video submissions in the Secondary School and Tertiary/Adult Learners categories. “This is a wonderful opportunity for applicants to showcase their ideas and creativity, and we encourage all eligible girls and women to apply.” 

Learn more about the Westpac Women and Girls Education Grant competition on the Westpac website www.westpac.com.fj/womens-education-grant/  or by visiting the Westpac Fiji Facebook page. Applicants are encouraged to use the online platform to submit their entries.