![Shona Goggin, Kambalas Indigenous program coordinator, pictured with Kailani Bartlett and Hayley Green, said Kambalas Indigenous program has enriched the lives of all Kambala girls and the wider school community. Shona Goggin, Kambalas Indigenous program coordinator, pictured with Kailani Bartlett and Hayley Green, said Kambalas Indigenous program has enriched the lives of all Kambala girls and the wider school community.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/HP8JNNb9L5GxeLhGSmNhXK/3e527f00-ea37-4df0-ac72-ddda85bfe02b.jpg/r0_530_5184_3456_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Kailani Bartlett and Hayley Green can both credit their families for inspiring them to chase their dreams and seek out educational opportunities away from home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Both girls are in Year 7 and recipients of a Yalari Scholarship to Kambala.
"The main reason I wanted to come to Kambala was because I knew I would have much better opportunities and education here compared to the schools in Moree," Kailani said.
"My cousin came to Kambala and she has been a huge inspiration for me, encouraging me to come here so I could reach my full potential."
Kambala introduced its Indigenous program and scholarships in 2012.
They achieved this in partnership with Yalari, a not-for-profit organisation that educates Indigenous children.
The program creates an environment where young woman have the opportunity to shine, to learn to lead as young women of purpose and integrity and to be an inspiration for other young Indigenous women.
Shona Goggin, Kambala's Indigenous program coordinator, believes the influence of an Indigenous program and the nurturing of Indigenous students has enriched the lives of all Kambala girls and the wider school community.
"The Indigenous girls at Kambala, both day and boarding, influence not only the lives of other Kambala girls and teaching staff, but the broader Kambala community made up of current and future families, parents, grandparents and Old Girls," she said.
"There is so much to learn from and celebrate about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.
"Building relationships and connecting with our girls and their families from all across the country is a great step towards helping build a better future and to achieving reconciliation in our country."
For Hayley and Kailani, the positive effects of their decision to pursue a scholarship are far reaching.
"My family is proud of me and excited for all the opportunities that a Kambala education can provide," Hayley said.
"They pinch themselves every day and still can't believe how lucky we all are for me to have been given this opportunity."
"I'm not sure what I would like to study just yet but I know I would like to study overseas," Kailani said.
"Possibly at Oxford because I have been inspired by one of the Gap students in the boarding house.
"If I'm successful, I will be the first of my generation to go to university."
Kambala offers a variety of scholarships each year.
Applications are welcomed from girls who are either current students or who are attending other schools at the time of application.