TAFE Queensland graduate Jessica Addo is dedicated to removing barriers and creating positive learning environments for Indigenous children.

At 30 years-old, she earned a Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education through the RATEP program at TAFE QLD's Cairns campus.

RATEP provides a direct pathway for Indigenous people to become registered teachers, teacher aides or early childhood educators.

Ms Addo's passion drives her to bridge education disparities and ensure Indigenous children thrive in nurturing environments.

"It has always been my passion to become a primary school teacher because I want to help make a difference in children's lives," she said.

"I was born and raised in Cairns and I identify as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

"From my mother's side, our family is connected with Yarrabah and I have family on my father's side at Mornington Island, but my deepest contact with community is through my grandmother at Mapoon."

Ms Addo emphasized the value Indigenous educators bring to educational environments through their deep-rooted community connections and cultural knowledge.

"These educators play a significant role in their communities because they have a deep understanding of the local context, languages, histories and cultures," she said.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children love seeing people from their own culture work in classrooms because they connect naturally - having a teacher who can speak their language makes a positive impact and creates close relationships."

Ms Addo said enrolling at TAFE Queensland and participating in RATEP was one of the best decisions she ever made.

"Before enrolling, I was working a full-time job and did not have the capacity to study - but I was so determined to follow my goals that I resigned and found part-time employment so I could start my training," she said.

"Sometimes you need to make sacrifices - it all comes down to how badly you want something and the belief that your hard work will pay off.

"I am happy I chose RATEP because I received full support, both professionally and personally, and through hard times in my personal life, my teacher coordinators were there for me."

"During my studies, I went through Sorry Business unexpectedly and RATEP allowed me to take time off and I was able to continue studying when I was ready to return."

Reflecting on her training, Ms Addo notes her training gave her the confidence and essential skills required to effectively engage with and support children in her field.

Her dedication to her studies earned her a regional Queensland Training Award nomination in the Vocational Student of the Year category, with the winner to be announced on 7 July 2023.

Ms Addo has gained credit through her diploma studies towards a Bachelor of Education at university and obtained a Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship.

"The scholarship provides me with financial assistance to complete my university studies, in addition to guaranteeing me an opportunity to gain a teaching position in a Queensland state school when I graduate," Ms Addo said.

"The scholarship is named in honour of Dr Pearl Duncan, an Aboriginal teacher who dedicated her life to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in education.

"I feel very honoured and grateful for this opportunity and I can't wait to see where my degree will take me when I finish.

"In the future, I hope to relocate to work in a remote community, either in Weipa, the Torres Strait or the Northern Territory."