Gunnedah High School is introducing a new program this year to drive community-led solutions aimed at reducing the barriers that may prevent Indigenous girls from completing their education and reaching their full potential.
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Dubbed “Girls Academy”, the program will work within the school system with the mission to “Develop a Girl - Change a Community”.
Program activities are designed with emphasis on the “big four” objectives to increase school attendance; advance academic and personal achievement; improve year 12 graduation rates; and facilitate post-school transition planning.
The school’s Team leader for Aboriginal education, Bianca Small said the program would be launched on March 20, with NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell to attend.
“We’re hoping the Girls Academy will create an environment within the school where the girls receive support and programs to reach their full potential,” Ms Small said.
“It’s going to be beneficial for the girls to become role models and future leaders through training, mentoring, sport and extra-curricular programs.”
Ms Small said the program had been in planning for about 12 months and funding was sourced from the school and the government.
The team leader said about 50 female students would be involved in the academy.
“I think it’s a great initiative and it links in with the school’s well-being framework and it’s a great step forward for Aboriginal education,” Ms Small said.
Kylie Milsom and Blanche Biles will be heading up the program and aim to abolish the attitudes of low-expectations that many Indigenous students have when it comes to their education.
They want Indigenous girls to be empowered and motivated to achieve educational success, which in turn results in improved outcomes for their health and nutrition, life expectancy, substance abuse, incarceration levels and employment opportunities.
Kylie has called Gunnedah home for more than 16 years and is looking forward to playing her role in the program.
Blanche has spent the past two years working at Koori Radio in Sydney. She is originally from Brewarrina (Ngemba) but has close connections to Gunnedah and the Kamilaroi tribe. Her daughter Meleah and her family also reside in Gunnedah. She is keen to make a positive difference at Gunnedah high.
