‘Life-changing’ scholarship for one of South West’s hardest working teachers championing Indigenous students

A South West teacher who spends her working day supporting Indigenous students has been awarded the prestigious Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarship.

Working at Dalyellup College and Maidens Park Primary School as an Aboriginal and Islander education officer, Jessika Coenen has been recognised for her efforts, while completing her teaching course online at Charles Darwin University.

She is a proud Aboriginal woman, born and raised in Wardandi country and has ties to Koreng and Wilman country.

She was inspired to take on teaching after receiving guidance in high school from the Follow The Dream program — an after-school program which helps guide Indigenous students.

“I started as a Follow The Dream tutor just after I graduated high school in 2022, My Follow The Dream coordinator basically helped me get my role as a tutor,” Ms Coenen said.

“She helped get the word out that I would be good as an AIEO ... and I’ve been here ever since.”

Her day-to-day tasks vary, but her passion for helping young Indigenous students is always at the forefront of her work.

“I do something different every day, (but) I’m always here to support the kids,” she said.

“Whether that’s just coming in for a yarn or helping with their homework or organising camps and excursions.”

Reviving the scholarship news came at a busy time, with Ms Coenen preparing Dalyellup College for their NAIDOC Week celebrations.

She said the scholarship would help her immensely with her studies, which she completes while working full time, with a new laptop needed for her online course.

“I was stoked — I did not believe it when I got the phone call that I’d gotten the scholarship,” Ms Coenen said.

“The scholarship is definitely going to be a big help with paying my tuition fees as well as helping me out with living expenses.”

She is the undergraduate recipient of the scholarship, while the post-graduate scholarship went to Jasper John who is teaching at Broome Senior High.

The scholarship is named in honour of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s support of Indigenous rights and his vision for a fair and inclusive Australia.

Education minister Tony Buti congratulated the recipients and highlighted the importance of the scholarships.

“Congratulations to Jessika and Jasper who were awarded this life-changing scholarship to complete their tertiary education,” he said.

“These two aspiring teachers are already making a tremendous difference in our education system and I look forward to seeing all that they achieve when they go on to become qualified secondary school teachers.

“It is vital our schools are culturally inclusive spaces and this scholarship ensures we are increasing the number of Indigenous people teaching in our secondary schools.”