NSW year 12 students take home career-defining scholarships in education and midwifery
15 May 2025
Teachers Health Group, in partnership with the Public Education Foundation (PEF), is proud to announce that Yalda Abawai (Fairfield High School) and Tamieka Botfield (Melville High School) have been awarded the 2025/6 Teachers Health National Tertiary Scholarship and Nurses and Midwives Health Scholarship (NSW) respectively.
Presented at this week’s annual PEF Proudly Public! Awards Ceremony at Sydney Town Hall, the two scholarships identify motivated, high potential students with demonstrated merit who are facing hardship to realise their career goals – and provide financial assistance to continue studying either at TAFE or a public university after completing year 12 in 2025.
Yalda Abawai, Fairfield High School (Teachers Health National Tertiary scholarship):
Yalda is dedicated and passionate about a career in teaching – having already demonstrated herself as a self-motivated learner and leader – and aims to pursue a double degree in Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) at the Australian Catholic University.
Reflecting on receiving her scholarship, Yalda said, “This scholarship is an invaluable opportunity that will allow me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial constraints – I can fully commit to my education and future career as a teacher which is just so exciting. I’m looking forward to thriving in a university environment and the doors that are opened for me via this scholarship will definitely go a long way to helping me reach my goals”.
Tamieka Botfield, Melville High School (Nurses and Midwives Health Scholarship, NSW):
Tamieka has her sights set on midwifery and advocacy for women’s choice and wellbeing. Tamieka’s commitment to her own growth is evident in her self-driven exploration of opportunities, experiences and industry relationships throughout her secondary school years. A high-performer with outstanding dedication to her studies, Tamieka aims to pursue a Bachelor of Midwifery at Southern Cross University.
Tamieka views the scholarship as an affirmation of her dedication to midwifery and her career goals. “This scholarship represents much more than financial support—it’s a validation of my passion and drive to really make a difference in the lives of women and their wellbeing choices. This opportunity will define my professional career path in ways I could never have imagined.”
Teachers Health Group CEO Brad Joyce emphasised the importance of identifying and investing in students like Yalda and Tamieka. “Our PEF scholarships not only support high potential students’ studies and professional pathways, but also make a significant difference to their personal lives and future.
“It is an absolute privilege to support Yalda and Tamieka as they continue to learn and develop their passions and educational opportunities. We truly admire their passion for their respective fields and their drive to succeed.
“Now in its tenth year, our partnership with the Public Education Foundation is so important to us – by empowering and supporting students at a pivotal time in their lives, we can help make a meaningful impact both now and into the future”.
David Hetherington, PEF’s Board Chair, stated, “Scholarships like these are not just about financial assistance, they are about changing lives and opening doors to opportunities. They have the power to transform the trajectory of a scholar's life, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations without the burden of financial stress. We greatly value our partnership with Teachers Health, as together we can empower these remarkable students to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in their communities”.
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Media contact
Angela McCann, Teachers Health Group
e: angela.mccann@teachershealth.com.au
m: 0414 330 879
About Teachers Health Group
Teachers Health Group is health insurance for teachers, the education community, the nursing and midwifery community, and their families. Created by teachers for teachers over 70 years ago, Teachers Health Group has grown to encompass Australia’s largest industry-based health fund and one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit health insurers. Teachers Health Group focuses on what matters most – supporting the health and wellbeing of their members. They also give back to the education, nursing and midwifery communities through scholarships, sponsorships and health and wellbeing programs.
About Public Education Foundation (PEF)
Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to students and educators in public education and enhancing the value and reputation of public education. www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au
About Proudly Public! Awards
Since the launch of PEF’s scholarship program over 15 years ago, the Foundation has awarded a total of 3,613 life-changing scholarships, including 3,452 to students and 161 to educators.
PEF is supporting over 800 scholars in 2025—a record number of scholarships in the Foundation’s history. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, the scholarship program continues to expand each year, addressing the educational needs of students facing disadvantage and recognising excellence in our public schools. Scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also open doors to resources and opportunities that can dramatically alter a student’s educational path. For those facing social and economic barriers, these scholarships can alleviate the burden of costs associated with academic materials, extracurricular activities, and essential services, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal development.