Meet our Australia Awards Vanuatu Awardee, Leisau Tarip from Nguna Island, North Efate, who is currently studying for a Master in Professional Accounting at Griffith University, Australia.
During her studies this year, this 39-year-old mother-of-four has been successful enough to be offered a place at the 2019 Australian Awards Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) ‘Leadership and Mentoring Program’. The WLI seeks to build the skills and readiness of women Australia Awards scholars from the Pacific to take on leadership roles in their workplaces, communities and countries.
From this initiative, Leisau has also been matched and established networks with an Australian woman mentor who supports her with any issues with her studies and provides other support such as marketing for jobs once she has completed her studies.
In addition, she is also fortunate to have access to leadership coaches who are always available to assist her during the 18-month duration of this program.
‘This program has taught me valuable skills as well as provided me an opportunity to expand my network of like-minded women from the Pacific, as well as having access to mentors and coaches that I would not otherwise have access to.’
Leisau Tarip is currently completing her final semester and will return home to Vanuatu by the end of this year.