It all begins with effective education. If a true and positive difference is going to made in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is going to be made by the emerging Indigenous generations. This journey begins with the academic, vocational and leadership skills gained in school.
With regard to this, the staff at Djarragun College, an Indigenous owned and focused school located in Gordonvale, Queensland, understand acutely how vital the window of schooling is for its students.
This week on Time to Listen, we are joined by College Principal Michael Barton, and traditional owner of the land upon which Djarragun College stands, Allison Halliday.
Allison and Michael give an introduction to the College, as well as an overview of the wonderful diversity of First Nations culture that exists within the student and staff body.
Allison explains the cultural significance of the land, as well as the array of traditional languages groups within the area.
Michael takes some time to outline how the school makes every effort to nurture the innate leadership skills and cultural pride held by the students, and how their potential can be realised when such characteristics are cased within a culturally safe environment. Michael also talks about the suite of vocational training opportunities available for the students at the school, and the importance in realising that the respective educational journeys of Indigenous students, and the affinity developed with their school, does not necessarily end upon graduation.
Thank you for taking the time to listen.
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If you would like to find out more about Djarragun College: https://djarragun.qld.edu.au