From bootcamps to stress management, CPR, cooking and cultural activities Warrnambool College’s Kalay Academy has provided its students with so many opportunities.
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Their achievements were celebrated in a ceremony on Wednesday, where academy leader Anne Jane congratulated the female students on a fantastic year.
The academy works to engage Koorie, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls by providing extra-curricular activities in the areas of education, leadership, life skills and healthy lifestyles. Indigenous females and elders participate and guide the students in activities.
Year 8 student Keisha Shaw received the attendance award, with an attendance rate of 99 per cent. The Kalay Academy program participation award was presented to Kara Graham and Caitlin Harradine, who are in years eight and nine respectively.
Ms Jane said she had witnessed positive changes in the students’ behavior, presentation, resilience and tolerance throughout the year.
Warrnambool’s Jakiah Boyle, 14, said the program had been a positive experience. “The girls, we’re all like sisters and we get along so good,” Jakiah said.
The year nine student said she felt more supported because of the program and she has made lots of new friends.
“We talk about our background and where we come from,” Jakiah said. “We did a session on speaking Aboriginal. A native man came in and taught us Aboriginal words so we could speak it. That was really cool because I’ve never learnt that.”
Jakiah would recommend the program to other indigenous students and said it had increased her confidence.
“I didn’t really speak much,” Jakiah said. “I was shy to speak in front of people, but now I’m just myself in front of Anne and the girls and I know the girls have my back and will support me through whatever I’m going through.”
Lena Wright, 16, agreed and said she had also gained new skills through the program, which recognised and celebrated her culture.
“I think it’s very important. Our culture has died over the last generation so it’s good to have these college activities and to get an understanding of what it’s like.”
Aboriginal artist and mum Fiona Clarke supports the work of the program and said it had “done a lot” for her daughter Trish.
“I think she's more confident,” Ms Clarke said.
