A newly implemented Indigenous work experience initiative is aimed at ‘developing the Indigenous leaders of tomorrow’ according to Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Garnett.
Kormilda College and Palmerston High School students were officially welcomed to CDU’s Indigenous Work Experience Pilot Program on Wednesday 25 October.
Professor Garnett said exciting times lay ahead for Indigenous participation at CDU.
’This initiative represents a variety of challenges and opportunities for Indigenous students in the Territory.
‘It is a unique program that will facilitate the sharing of stories and experiences and one which we hope to expand across all campuses in 2007,’ she said.
Indigenous PhD student, Gary Lee shared Professor Garnett’s views as he gave a passionate speech about country, culture, history and the future.
As one of only three Indigenous Larrakia PhD students, Gary said that the initiative will offer an array of new skills and hopefully inspire interests in new directions.
’The importance of practical education for Indigenous youth is imperative, and with CDU’s work experience program a wider range of career pathways will become available to its participants,’ Gary said.