The highly successful youth engagement and mentoring programs, Clontarf and Stars, have opened for the first time in Northern Territory primary schools.
Palmerston’s Moulden Primary School and Driver Primary School are home to the first expansion of the popular programs to pre-secondary years.
Clontarf Foundation operates academies for Aboriginal boys in 14 NT Government secondary schools, with nearly 1000 boys participating, while Stars Foundation operates academies for Aboriginal girls in nine NT government schools, with nearly 500 girls taking part.
The engagement programs provide valuable mentorship, guidance and fellowship in dedicated learning spaces, where, in addition to receiving academic support, participants are also encouraged to adopt the values the programs promote.
The Territory Labor Government is this year investing $6.5 million in boys and girls engagement programs in NT schools, which have been proven to improve students’ attendance, health, wellbeing and academic success.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.
“All children have the right to the same great start in life, which is why the Territory Labor Government is investing $6.5 million in boys and girls engagement programs this year.
“These engagement programs provide valuable learning and wellbeing support to enable boys and girls to gain the skills and knowledge they need for a bright future.
“Developing strong school attendance habits in early schooling is an essential foundation for success in secondary school and into adulthood.
“Unlike the CLP, who ripped $135 million from the education budget and slashed teachers and support staff, we know that investing in programs such as Clontarf and Stars are the right thing to do and the smart thing to do for the Territory’s future.”
Quotes attributable to Clontarf Foundation NT Top End South Regional Manager Brenden Petterson.
“Clontarf Foundation is excited to have the opportunity to commence programs at Moulden Primary School and Driver Primary School.
“Earlier engagement will provide the young boys in Palmerston with an extra layer of support on their educational journeys right through primary school, high school and then into meaningful employment or further studies.”
Quotes attributable to Stars CEO and Founder Andrea Goddard.
“Stars has been running highly successful mentoring support programs for First Nations girls and young women in secondary schools in the NT since 2015.
“We are very pleased to be able to expand our program into two primary schools in Palmerston, with the support of the NT Government.
“These primary programs will allow us to support even more First Nations girls in the NT and set them up for a successful transition into secondary school.”
Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144