Working part-time as a business analyst, she was also developing her own business and customised workshops to teach independent living skills to young adults with intellectual disabilities, including budgeting, internet safety, and microenterprise development.
“My contract ended during lockdown, I wasn’t eligible for the wage subsidy, and I couldn’t find new work to support myself in the suddenly saturated job market.”
“Receiving the scholarship to begin my Master of Education has allowed me to expand my expertise, develop a broader network, and gain invaluable experience,” says Dijana.
“This is my first trimester at the University, and I’ve loved it so far! The course content has been really engaging, my instructors are extremely passionate, and it has been amazing to meet so many like-minded peers in my programme.”
Trimester 2 scholarships were one of the ways the University was able to support communities and “get behind the people of Wellington and New Zealand in a time of need”, says Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford.
“At times of crisis, universities have an important role to play as inclusive institutions where learning flourishes and new beginnings are possible.”