At Elisabeth Murdoch College, First Nations students are empowered to be part of school leadership and decision-making processes, connecting them with peers across local schools, and enhancing their cultural knowledge through collaboration with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. Koorie Engagement Support Officer Alan Johnson said this had increased school attendance and engagement.
The school launched the Koorie Emerging Leaders in Schools (KELiS) program in 2022.
The program was developed in close collaboration with the Department of Education, the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated and other schools in the Bayside Peninsula area.
‘As active community members we have seen increases in self-esteem and confidence in KELiS students engaging with their communities,’ Mr Johnson said.
What started with 8 schools has now expanded to 16 schools, including a specialist school. For some of these schools, the program has offered the most significant engagement they have had with First Nations communities to date.
KELiS participants have been involved in a variety of projects, including organising NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week events, and presenting at education and community forums.
Elisabeth Murdoch College Year 10 student and proud Wemba Wemba and Yorta Yorta man Jeffrey said the program had helped him meet students from other schools who are his mob too.
‘Without KELiS, I wouldn’t have known there were so many of us. It’s good that schools are involved in supporting us to be proud of who we are, and making sure the local community are involved,’ he said.
Updated