When women from migrant communities feel empowered, they are able to transform their own lives and the lives of those around them, inspiring others and creating lasting change for generations to come. For Sara Suliman BA’22, a Bachelor of Arts graduate and Master of Teaching student at UWA, this experience is deeply personal. Through the security provided by the Centenary Trust for Women scholarship, her story reflects the profound impact of education and the opportunities that arise when women are given the chance to learn and lead.
“My mother was a secondary teacher in my home country, Sudan,” Sara said. “She was unable to continue her career when we migrated to Australia. Without the time or resources to requalify, and after my father passed away, she had to find work in a completely different industry to support our family as a single mother raising two young children.”
Many migrant professionals encounter similar hardship, especially those whose qualifications do not easily transfer to new countries. However, Sara's mother’s sacrifices and resilience remain a driving force behind Sara’s own pursuit of education, along with the dedication of an exceptional high school teacher. Fondly remembering her English teacher, Mrs Markich, Sara can easily see how she was directly inspired in her educational decisions.
“Mrs Markich was an extraordinary teacher, truly invested in her students' success and her influence was so profound that I chose to major in English and Literary Studies at UWA (alongside my second major in Pharmacology),” Sara said. “She encouraged my enthusiasm for debating, investigative writing, and public speaking, opening doors for me to participate in competitions such as UN Youth and Rotary Club events.”
Initially, Sara pursued an online Master of Pharmacy, intending to build a career as a pharmacist. However, she decided to return to study a Master of Teaching, surprising everyone she knows. Having to choose between pharmacy and teaching was tricky, but ultimately, her mother’s advice paved the way.
“She told me to set aside titles and salaries and instead ask myself which profession could I wake up every day feeling passionate and driven to pursue,” she recalls. “Teaching stood out as an exciting, dynamic profession where every day would bring about a new lesson.”
Teaching also provides an opportunity to make real impact in regional communities that often must go without. Despite the need, financial constraints often prevent students from taking regional placements, with costs of accommodation, travel and food expenses putting the option beyond reach. Sara highlights the important role of scholarships in overcoming these financial barriers.
“By investing in students through scholarships, we not only open doors for aspiring educators but also help address the ongoing teacher shortages in rural and remote Western Australia,” she said.
As a scholarship recipient herself, Sara had the opportunity to both take on further studies at UWA while also undertaking her final pre-service teaching placement in a regional Western Australian school.
“With a major in English and science education, my Master of Teaching program will allow me to explore both disciplines in a variety of teaching environments-whether in metropolitan Perth, regional and rural Australia, or even internationally,” she said. “I'm especially excited about undertaking a regional/remote placement in mid-2025 to gain experience in classrooms that are not only geographically distinct but also demographically diverse.”
Sara’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience and the unwavering support of those who believe in potential. From her mother’s sacrifices to the inspiration of dedicated teachers, she has carried forward a passion for learning that will now shape the lives of her future students. With the Centenary Trust for Women scholarship paving the way, she is not only fulfilling her dream but also breaking barriers for others who may follow in her footsteps.