Forming partnerships: Communities and networks for students

The key message

It is apparent that Aboriginal students flourish in settings in which they are able to enjoy the support and companionship of others from the same cultural background.

— Howard Groome and Arthur Hamilton (1995: 41)

More from Groome and Hamilton…

Many Indigenous students are a small minority in their education/training institutions, and can feel socially isolated as a result. There are ways of providing support in this situation.

These include:

• Making sure that grouping practices don't thoughtlessly split up groups of Indigenous students who would prefer to work together.
  
  
• The creation of a space where students, their parents and members of communities feel comfortable, and which is 'their own'. Such spaces can range from 'a corner' in early childhood settings, to a room in a school or training institution, space off-site or a resource centre.
  
  
• Organisation of camping programs, excursions or inter-institutional visits to get Indigenous students from different sites together.

In 2003, three Catholic secondary schools in and around Ipswich in Queensland began looking at What Works. The Work Program. They are the 'Koorana Cluster.'

Read about what happened...

'Virtual' communities can also be established through the use of information technology, 'companionable' electronic networks where students exchange experiences and information. Our records show that these activities have been highly valued by the students involved.

A more structured program focused on literacy development occurs in Victoria.

More about the 'Literacy Links' projects...