More boarding support for NT students

More First Nations students in Central Australia will have greater access to quality education, thanks to $6.3 million from the Federal Government being allocated to two boarding providers.

The Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education has been given $5.1 million towards construction of its new culturally safe and supported accommodation centre in the Desert Knowledge Precinct in Alice Springs.

The facility will increase participation and retention of secondary school aged students to complete Vocational Education and Training courses, including Year 12 and equivalent qualifications.

“Boarding is the only option for many First Nations students in Central Australia to engage in formal education,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“This investment will provide more opportunities for First Nations young people in Central Australia to access quality education in a culturally supportive environment, increasing participation and retention.

Alice Springs Youth Accommodation & Support Services (ASYASS) has been offered $1.2 million to construct a new accommodation facility for pregnant young women, young mothers and their children experiencing homelessness and family and domestic violence.

Expectant and young mothers will be supported to access and stay engaged in secondary education while they are in culturally safe accommodation.

This will complement the range of crisis and transition youth housing programs being delivered by ASYASS to support school aged young people experiencing homelessness in Central Australia.

“Every child has a right to a quality education, regardless of where they live,” Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said.

Batchelor Institute Acting CEO, Renee Long said the $5.1 million investment marks a transformative step for Batchelor Institute and her students from remote communities.

“For years, we’ve worked to create a culturally safe space for learning, and this new accommodation at our Alice Springs campus will ensure students can focus on their education without the challenges of unsuitable accommodation,” she said.

The $18 million Central Australia Boarding Response Fund was established last year following a review of boarding schools in Central Australia by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments.

This investment provides funding for one-off capital works to improve existing facilities and enable facilities to take on more students.

Following an open and competitive grants process, $10 million was provided to Yirara College and $1.7 million to St Philip’s College in Alice Springs, to upgrade their existing boarding facilities.

The remaining $6.3 million has now been allocated creating more choice for First Nations young people in Central Australia to continue their education in the region.

Alice Springs Youth Accommodation & Support Services CEO, Ojisi Charlie said the project was a practical demonstration of the Government’s commitment to working creatively to achieve better outcomes in the Northern Territory, through innovative priority reform areas that seek to strengthen community organisations and improve wellbeing for Aboriginal people.

“The project will empower young Aboriginal mothers and their children to establish routines, seek support and re-engage with educational services,” he said.