A Report on the Pilot Project

"CONNECTIONS"

Funded by Telstra Community Foundation and supported by the ballarat catholoic education office

The project is aimed at all Indigenous students however the focus was initially on students who have been assessed as being at risk (learning, physical and mental health, leaving school, etc). Six schools are currently involved in the program nad over 50 "sessions" have been conducted, varying greatly in their length and formality; from 1 hour student sessions to full day gatherings and programmes such as the innovative and successful Health and Wellbeing Day (flyer available here).

The project includes facilitating the students meeting to explore: peer and community mentoring. The focus is on their spirituality and identity, personal expectations and the sharing of concerns and issues. During the sessions, students and parents have raised many issues that are important to them, which in turn, form the focus for the next activity. Being able to offer students venues other than classrooms or interview rooms has meant that students approach the meetings in a much more relaxed manner and are more communicative; some are showing a more profound understanding and respect for other students. The activities are innovative, exciting and challenging and it is only through this project that such activities are offered to these students - mainstream funding would not cover such alternative programs.

The Project really got underway during the second term (April). Jeanette Morris (Indigenous Education Officer, Ballarat Diocese) has done a superb job with this pilot project to date. Jeanette is really getting to the heart of this PILOT project, in that she is providing appropriate opportunities for Indigenous Secondary College students to tell her what their needs are and how best those needs can be met. If this project achieves nothing else, this is an extremely valuable outcome and is already proving to be of great benefit to many of the students and to those involved in their education. The bringing together of the students (peer mentoring) is positive and beneficial to all involved . it is hoped that this project can continue to foster and provide appropriate opportunities for this to occur.

Jeanette has a very unique relationship with her students and with the various indigenous communities within her geographical area, and as a young Indigenous woman who is successfully achieving great things in education, she is a role model in itself.

This project is proving to be of great value to those who are able to participate in 2006. It is providing that underlying hope and ethos of Opening the Doors Foundation to encourage the happy and successful participation of Indigenous students in Catholic Education. If the project is able to continue it is certain that it can and will have positive effects on the retention rate of Indigenous students in senior secondary education.

The pilot phase of the project will be extended into 2007 and during that time, the project will be developed for 2008 through the feedback and reponses of the students participating in the programmes and sessions.

Carol Messer

Project Officer
November 2006