The following is an article by the Huon News, originally published on Wednesday, 24 October 2018. Republished here with permission.

Supporting Children’s Education

Students on a cultural experience at the Tarkine / Takayna

The South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC) delivers an Education and Support programme and a Mums and Bubs’ programme.

Education Support Worker, Julie Dunlop said, “The education programme has achieved many positive results for children across the various schools in the Huon and Channel areas. The programme supports families and assists students to remain in school; improve literacy and numeracy skills and to support successful youth transitions for further education or employment.”

Aboriginal students have been provided opportunities through a partnership with SETAC, weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation and Huon Aquaculture Pathways Programme. This programme provides six apprenticeships, three in agriculture and three in aquaculture. Students following the programme have gained apprenticeships in plumbing, hairdressing, electrical, banking and hospitality. To support the programme, students are provided tutoring, support, training in basic skills, mentoring and cultural incentives.
Students also participated in cultural activities, camps, workshops with Elders, visits to the Tasmanian, Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston, along with a cultural experience provided by Auntie Patsy Cameron and Uncle Hank Horton at the Gorge. Students on country activities include mutton birding, basket making, shell painting and stringing. Creating culturally responsive learning experiences has encouraged students to be more receptive to learning.

Due to SETAC’s wide range of services, students and families can be referred to counsellors, drug and alcohol programme, family planning clinic or mental health professionals. The Mums and Bubs’ programme is for children 0 to 4 and their carers to access antenatal, postnatal and maternal child health services, it is oriented community feedback, health information and social inclusion.

SETAC offers clinics with its child and family health nurse for weighing and measuring babies, child health assessments and parenting/child health advice, with access to specialists – speech pathologists, Australian Hearing Clinic, dermatologists, including social support in the home and regular groups for mums to share their experiences.
Resources are also made available for breast feeding and safety.

For more information on programmes, please phone 6295 0004 or 6295 1125.