The bureaucrats seemed really devastated...some of them were crying

NPYWC Directors Nyunmiti Burton, Rene Kulitja & Maureen Baker have all worked within the education system, Nyunmiti is a qualified teacher. The Directors have a very clear idea on important initiatives to increase Anangu engagement with the school system.

The National Dialogue 21 Conference, presented by the Australian Institute for Teaching & School Leadership (ATSL) – was designed to set out standards to improve Indigenous cultural competency in the Australian teaching workforce. Hear what our Directors had to say:

_{Maureen, Rene, Christine & Nyunmiti at the National Dialogue 21 Conference}

Anangu Teachers

Anangu need to be given the chance to lead the classroom. It is not enough to have Anangu in support roles. Anangu teachers are a vital piece of the puzzle in supporting students across language and cultural barriers, understanding the strengths and capacities of individual children. They stand as respected and known members of the child’s community. They know, and can teach bilingual learning.

Curriculum and learning styles

Curriculum needs to be contextually relevant. Providing opportunity for children and young people to learn on country and in the classroom. “Our kids need to learn in their first language and then in English. Then they will be good in Pitjantjatjara and English. Then they can live well in both worlds”, Nyunmiti Burton.

Community Engagement

Key community members want to influence the recruitment and appraisal of key staff such as principals and teachers. They can also care for and educate teachers in the ways of Anangu culture, history and respectful ways to connect with the community, which have a direct benefit for the children and young people.

“Our old people already paved the way forward. When we support Anangu children and young people, everyone benefits”. Rene Kulitja.

_{Images: courtesy of Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership}

Find out about the NPYWC Youth Service

The child nutrition team began in 1996 with the mandate of teaching young mothers how to cook…why then did the team begin running a massive career conference? At the time, new research indicated that even 1 extra year of schooling for young women, had a 3 fold effect on the health outcomes of their children. This, and seeing there were no big events for young women in communities …an idea was born to create an event that would encourage girls to stay in school and look at careers opportunities for themselves.

The first conference was really nerve wracking, we were never sure if anyone was going to show up…but in the evening before the conference dust heralded bus and car loads of young women arriving. 250 eager young women arrived.

Kungka Career Conference recruited high profile successful Aboriginal women to tell their story and share their skills. Some were successful health workers and some were Aboriginal leaders like Christine Anu and Evonne Goolagong.

Senior women attended the camps for authority and to support the young women, some of whom were inspired to continue their support of young people by becoming teachers and mentors.

Over 12 Kungka Career Conferences have been run and we can now look back and see how many of these young women have grown into community leaders and some taking flight with successful careers.

Find out more about the Child & Family Wellbeing Service