Our purpose is to empower and inspire Indigenous young people to build a better future for themselves and their communities through a reformed education system. TIDE is a Studio Schools of Australia co-led program to respond to the urgent crisis in remote Indigenous communities of children currently not attending school. This program provides a healing and culturally safe pathway to return to school based on these four objectives:
- Transitioning - on-country away from a life of self-destruction, low self-esteem, addiction and violence, and the negative influences of community.
- Indigenous - cultural leaders, trained healers and trauma-informed teachers, facilitating the healing and recovery process.
- Development - of individualised learning plans for each child to build trust and self- respect and to restore pride in their future, with the confidence to set their own goals.
- Enrolment - and re-engagement back at school to acquire the personal and social skills to continue learning and ultimately to complete Year 12.
TIDE Graduations
On 30 July 2023, we celebrated the graduation of 11 young people from the third Turning the TIDE program. Congratulations to all our graduates!
Over the two week program, students took part in learning on-country, in its most authentic form; led by Indigenous staff. Highlights of the third program included having extended time camping at Biridu Community, where Dillion Andrews and Denise Macale shared cultural knowledge and skills with the group, and a private concert with Danny Marr, from Fitzroy Express, on a visit to Derby. Food was also a highlight; a special shout out goes to Jason Baird, who planned and cooked for the two-week program. Fresh meat from a killer was also greatly appreciated and provided some good learning moments as well as a good feed.
We’re proud to share some positive results from the program so far:
• Of the 35 different students who went through the programs, 24 of the students are enrolled to continue their schooling in Term 3 2023.
• An additional five are 18 years old or older and are actively involved in seeking employment.
•Three of the students concluded their schooling with Yiramalay Studio School last year, and seven are enrolled to begin Term 3 2023 at Yiramalay Studio School.
A Program Led by Indigenous Voices
Our recently completed third Turning the TIDE program was 100% led and run by Indigenous staff for the first time. All aspects of the planning, enrolling and running of the program were driven by our Indigenous team. We could not be prouder of the growth in each of the staff team members, and all are keen to be involved again in future programs.
Particular acknowledgement goes to Kaylene Marr who led the program, and Alison Wungungmurra who supported Kaylene’s leadership throughout the program. On reflecting on her time leading the program, Kaylene commented
“We slowed down to look and listen; we all had respect for each other and the elderly, past, present and future. There was the biggest improvement for all the kids and all the staff”. - Kaylene Marr, Bunuba Traditional Owner and Yiramalay council member
SSA intends to run further Turning the TIDE programs in 2024. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please feel free to contact Tanya Davies at tanya.davies@studioschools.edu.au