Ricoh Australia has partnered with not-for-profit organisation, Yalari, to fully fund a six-year scholarship for one Indigenous student’s secondary education from Year 7-12.
Established in 2005, Yalari supports Indigenous children from regional and remote communities across Australia with the opportunity to receive a full boarding school scholarship for their entire secondary education.
“Ricoh’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group reviews opportunities annually in which Ricoh can support its pledge to reconciliation as well as foster greater understanding and respect,” said Simone Wilson, people and purpose manager at Ricoh Australia.
“This year, we are honoured to partner with Yalari to support their work in providing access for Indigenous students to high-quality education.
“Our student sponsorship reflects our long-standing commitment to inclusivity, as well as fostering respectful relationships and a culturally aware workforce. We are excited to join with Yalari to support and celebrate the next generation.”
Ricoh initially unveiled its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2024, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
RAP is a key component of Ricoh’s Diversity Policy, which the company says “values all people and recognises the importance of strong community connections”.
The Action Plan supports the company’s commitment to the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the provision of pathways to employment, professional development, and retention strategies.
“Partnerships like this are about walking together with a shared vision. In this instance, the vision is a more unified Australia through the power of education,” said Waverley Stanley, founding director of Yalari.
“Ricoh’s support means more opportunities for young Indigenous Australians, getting the quality education and future they deserve. Together, we’re creating pathways that will ripple through families and communities for generations to come.”
Since its inception, Yalari has awarded over 800 scholarships to students from 187 communities across regional and remote Australia.
This year, there are 251 students on Yalari scholarships nationally and almost 600 alumni are studying at universities, working or undertaking further training.