Tutors required Terms 2, 3 & 4

“Working for a few months in an Indigenous community, anywhere in Australia, is an experience that every [young Australian] should undertake. It introduces you to a world that is poorly portrayed in popular Australia and… this image needs to be changed if we want to live in a fair and equal society… I have learnt far more about myself and about Indigenous Australia than I ever could by staying [at home]. Not to mention learning about the world’s oldest continuous culture… it is a wonderful heart and eye opening experience.” - Emma Newland, Central Australia

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION

In 2006 only 40.1% of Indigenous students completed Year 12, compared to 75.9% of non-Indigenous students. Despite some improvements in reading literacy, the rate of Indigenous students reaching national benchmarks remains at a much lower rate than for non-Indigenous students. In 2004, only 71% of Year 7 Indigenous students met the national reading benchmark, compared to 91% of non-Indigenous students. Only 52% of Indigenous students met the numeracy benchmark compared to 82% of non-Indigenous students. Poor education contributes to poor health, socio-economic status and wellbeing.

YCA has been working with schools and community groups in Central Australia and West Arnhem to improve quality and access to education since 2004. Over 90 YCA volunteers have been placed in communities to tutor Indigenous students in the Northern Territory, and we need more!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Tutor at a School

PROGRAM FAST FACTS:

Location:	Jabiru, Kakadu National Park
Duration:	10 weeks
Dates:	School Terms

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The school tutoring program gives volunteers the opportunity to tutor at the Jabiru Area School in Kakadu National Park, helping to improve the education of Indigenous children in Australia.

As a volunteer you will provide specialised attention to Indigenous students who are falling behind the rest of the class or have learning difficulties. You serve as a valuable human resource to support teachers in remote areas to deliver classes and coordinate cultural excursions for students. You may also have the opportunity to facilitate sport and recreation activities for the students, especially when there is an upcoming sports carnival.

Up to four volunteers are needed each term to work with their students to improve education and learning outcomes. The community values the school and supports teachers to provide their children with education to enable them to access employment opportunities in the future.

Positions are still available for Term 2 in 2012.

Jabiru is located near the spectacular Arnhem Land Escarpment in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. The Mirrar people are the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Jabiru area. With a population of around 1100, the town is home to a large Aboriginal population, as well as being the dormitory town for workers on the nearby Rangers Uranium mine. As the only Australian town set inside a national park, it also serves as the main service area for tourists wanting to explore the Kakadu region.

You will live in the community for 10 weeks and make a valuable contribution to the long-term educational goals of the school. You can find out more about the Jabiru Area School here.

Indigenous Education standards in communities are extremely poor, and our volunteers have an opportunity to be part of the process to improve these standards. Working in a classroom setting gives you the opportunity to build strong relationships with the students.