They're the latest batch of Indigenous men and women showing the way ahead for other community people to enter education.
The efforts of 15 Charles Darwin University vocational students from the Anmatjere region of Central Australia were rewarded at a recent presentation at the Central Desert Shire Council in Ti-Tree.
Participants are completing foundation studies in literacy and numeracy via a Certificate 1 in Vocational Education, providing them with valuable skills of interest to the local council.
They were joined by members of the CDU Adult Literacy and Numeracy Team, the Alice Springs Campus Administrator, the local shire council and local community members.
Statements of attainment were presented to the men and women to acknowledge their performance since starting the course in mid-September.
Workplace assessor and lecturer Geoff Aitken has developed a strong relationship with the community and said the participants’ achievements were an important milestone for the community.
"It's showing other men and women that they can be proud, not ashamed of their educational disadvantage," he said. "Some have taken a big step back into the classroom and deserve the thanks," he said.
The course was developed as a pre-cursor to further education by encouraging confidence in the workplace.
It covers core skills that appeal to the local shire's pre-employment program.
Students will continue studying into next year to complete the full certificate.
Shire Services Manager Rodney Baird said the learning program was a great boost for the local community.
"Reading and writing confidently is critical in the workplace and it's great to see these students progressing through their course," he said. "We are keen to strengthen the partnership between the council and CDU."