ABORIGINAL students from Northam Senior High School and the Clontarf Academy met with the Commissioner for Children and Young People last Wednesday to speak about what it means to be young, Aboriginal and living in the Wheatbelt.
The visit by Commissioner Jenni Perkins was part of a State-wide consultation project which has so far heard the views, ideas and concerns of over 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
Ms Perkins said these children and young people have been telling her about the many strengths of their culture and communities, and about the dreams and aspirations they have for a successful and happy future.
"The purpose of the consultation is to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children and young people themselves about what they require to have a healthy and happy life," Ms Perkins said.
The insight of children and young people about the challenges they face, and the possible solutions, has been remarkable.
"We will use what they say to write a report, to be tabled in State Parliament, which advises government and the community on what our priorities need to be in order to make the best possible improvements to Aboriginal and Torres Islander children and young people's wellbeing," Ms Perkins said.
"At Northam, I was pleased to see a school community that was working hard to support the needs of all students, including Aboriginal students.
"The Clontarf Academy, in particular, is a very successful model that is improving the educational outcomes of young men, and more recently young women, as well as strengthening their connection with culture and improving life skills and self-esteem."
Ms Perkins also met with an inspiring group of Year 9 and 10 young women who are part of a new program introduced by the school, in partnership with the David Wirrpanda Foundation and Deadly Sista Girlz, and she commended the school for taking the initiative to support students with such well regarded programs.
Ms Perkins says a positive engagement in education is crucial for Aboriginal young people's wellbeing.
"I am particularly interested in programs that keep vulnerable young people involved in meaningful education, and I was pleased to visit the Connected Learning Program being run by Avon Youth," Ms Perkins said.
"This type of service is essential for every WA town and community to ensure that young people do not fall between the gaps, but are supported to move from education to employment and deal with any issues they are facing."
Ms Perkins thanked the young people she spoke with and the staff of Northam Senior High School, the Clontarf Academy and Avon Youth.
More information about the consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and other work of the Commissioner is available from www.ccyp.wa.gov.au.
