Hard work, dedication and in taking full advantage of the opportunities presented to her during her time in the NRL’s School to Work program, Sarita Singh has become a leader in her local community.
Currently in Year 12 and the School Captain at Heathcote High, Singh has used the NRL’s School to Work program as a platform to grow as a student and even more so as a young Indigenous leader.
With an unrivalled passion for improving outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, Singh aims to one day become a doctor or a teacher, however regardless of her career choice, she wants to contribute to her community and create positive and lasting change.
The proud recipient of the 2019 Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs Award, recognising an Indigenous woman in Year 12 who has made a significant contribution to the life of her school community through service, leadership, initiative and shown a determination to successfully complete her secondary education, Singh beat out other nominated students from all over NSW, with the award a testament to the impact she has enjoyed.
“My ethnicity surpasses the colour of my skin and manifests itself in my spiritual and emotional connection to the land and past, present and future familial experiences,” Sarita expressed in her Zonta submission. “In this close connection to my heritage, I am able to maintain a sense of belonging and critical understanding of my history.”
Cronulla Sharks School to Work Project officer Tayla Kafoa has guided Singh and other local Indigenous students through the NRL supported program, with Singh receiving the Zonta award at her school graduation and grateful her achievements have been recognised.
“I feel incredibly appreciative and empowered as a young Indigenous woman for my voice and academic achievements to be recognised and commended by the Zonta Association, on a state level,” Singh added.
She will complete her HSC exams in the coming weeks as Singh looks at then enjoying a short break before university starts in the New Year.
The NRL School to Work Program along with the Cronulla Sharks, are extremely proud of Sarita’s dedication and commitment to herself, her community and the program.
“We are certainly excited to see what’s in store for her future,” Ms Kafoa said.
The NRL School to Work program is support by the Federal government to continue to close the gap across Indigenous communities.
