Miner helps talented Indigenous students sign up for success

Pictured: Petra Franks (front centre) signs up for the Muswellbrook Enrichment Centre programme while proud father, Brad looks on with Cate Sims from Coal & Allied.

As Petra Franks signs up to a new programme for high achieving Indigenous students, father Brad hopes it will help the talented year 10 student not only pass at school, but excel.

Petra is one of 25 Indigenous students enrolled at the Muswellbrook Enrichment Centre, which launched in May with a contribution of $40,000 per year over three years from the Coal & Allied Aboriginal Development Consultative Committee (ADCC).

"As a parent and Aboriginal person, you sometimes see kids struggle in their final years at school, including those with a lot of promise. Often what they need is some support and guidance to stay motivated," Mr Franks said.

"I'm delighted Petra has been accepted into a programme that will provide a safety net against negative influences and encourage her to stay on track academically and socially, while nurturing her talents."

Petra is exited to be part of the programme, which involves regular after school visits to the centre where she receives help with her studies from dedicated tutors and participates in activities that foster academic, social, cultural and leadership skills.

"I've found the assistance with my homework really helpful and have also enjoyed getting involved in activities like Aboriginal dancing," Petra said.

"Our group will be performing during NAIDOC Week, which I'm really looking forward to.

"I've also met other Aboriginal students in my school who I wouldn't otherwise have known. Being part of the programme makes me feel proud of my heritage and excited to learn more."

Coordinator Debbie Douglass said this sense of community is important.

"Once accepted into the programme, the students are welcome to remain with us throughout their school years, providing they continue to attend school regularly and meet the other criteria in order for them to reach their academic potential," Mrs Douglass said.

"We expect this continuity and commitment to help build a sense of belonging among the students in the programme, help them feel proud of their accomplishments, and enable them to continue to be positive role models striving to fulfil their dreams."

Mrs Douglass said the students, their parents and other funding partners, including Coal & Allied ADCC executive officer Cate Sims, signed an agreement to confirm their commitment to the programme when it launched.

"This is a fantastic opportunity and we wanted the students to understand this and take their commitment to the programme seriously," Mrs Douglass said.

"Their parents were also required to sign the agreement. Parental involvement and support is vital to the programme's success.

"We're also very fortunate to have Coal & Allied backing the centre to help build capacity among our young people."

Ms Sims said she was delighted to see the Muswellbrook Enrichment Centre in action after months of planning.

"By working in partnership with the Muswellbrook Enrichment Centre, Coal & Allied hopes to help talented Aboriginal students not only stay at school, but do the best they can," Ms Sims said.

"This will benefit these students and their families, while creating natural leaders and role models younger Aboriginal kids can look up to, so they understand how they can build a positive future for themselves."

Students and staff at the Muswellbrook Enrichment Centre are currently preparing for their very first camp to Sydney and the Blue Mountains next term, during which they'll visit universities, hear from influential speakers and get in touch with traditional culture.

They're also working with the community to come up with a new name for the centre which reflects Muswellbrook's Indigenous community coming together.

The Coal & Allied ADCC funds projects that can bring long term benefits to the Upper Hunter's Indigenous community. Since its inception in 2006, the committee has provided $1.6 million to support projects in areas such as health, business development, training and education and arts and culture, helping to build capacity in the region in which Coal & Allied operates.

Media release - Miner helps talented Indigenous students sign up for success [PDF: 21 KB]