| Pictured (from left) are Lecturer Joanne Buckskin, students Lisa Davi... Pictured (from left) are Lecturer Joanne Buckskin, students Lisa David, Sonia Dalla Vechia, Jennifer Hamilton, Lane Marcus, Matt Menegazzo, Kathy Patterson and Ben Christie, Faculty of Education Dean Professor Paul Chandler and Dr Julie Kiggins, who is Acting Director of the Faculty’s Primary program. |
Scholarship-holders determined to make a difference in Aboriginal education
6 Sep 2007 | Nick Hartgerink
Seven University of Wollongong Bachelor of Education students have been chosen for a NSW Government program to better prepare graduating teachers to teach in schools with high proportions of indigenous students.
The seven students – Sonia Dalla Vecchia, Jennifer Hamilton, Ben Christie, Kathy Patterson, Matt Menegazzo, Lisa David and Lane Marcus – are currently undertaking their final practical training in schools with high indigenous student populations.
They have received specialised training during the year, including cultural contact with Aboriginal communities on the South Coast.
The students are taking part in an Enhanced Training Program for Teaching Aboriginal Students as part of their Bachelor of Education studies. There were among 20 students chosen for this competitive scholarship offered by the NSW Department of Education and Training for the first time this year.
As part of the terms of the scholarship the students have agreed to teach for three years in a school with a high percentage of indigenous enrolments.
Faculty of Education Dean Professor Paul Chandler said the University’s participation in the program was part of its ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for indigenous students.
“I am very pleased and proud that such a large proportion of the scholarship-holders are from the University of Wollongong, and humbled by their selflessness and commitment to the program,” Professor Chandler said.
“Some of the students have given up positions as targeted graduates to take up this challenging opportunity, so it really is a calling for them. I hope it will be a catalyst to encourage more students to apply for the scholarship, and that their commitment to indigenous communities will encourage more indigenous students into teaching.
Professor Chandler said the program showcased the broader vision of teacher education and how teachers could really make a difference.
“What has been missing from the public debate about indigenous issues in Australia is how we could make a big difference to indigenous communities by showing a real commitment to education through programs like these,” he said. “Rather than sending troops in (to indigenous communities), we could achieve a lot more by sending in more well-informed, well-trained teachers …”
Lecturer Joanne Buckskin, from UOW’s Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, has been supervising the students cultural training and introducing them to local indigenous groups. “They are a really unique group of individuals who have a really clear view of why they want to teach Aboriginal kids,” she said. “They are all inspired to make a difference.”
Student Lisa David said she felt fortunate to be part of the program. “I am passionate about equality, especially in opportunities for education, so I feel that this is a long-overdue initiative,” she said.
Fellow student Cathy Patterson said she had strong opinions about social justice, and felt that Aboriginal students had been disadvantaged in the education system. “This program is something that is really positive, and I just wanted to be a part of it,” she said.
Matt Menagazzo said he had chosen teaching as a career because he wanted to make a difference. “This program is something that allows me to really make a contribution in a meaningful way in an area of great need,” he said.
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