Building Bridges: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Workers
In the 25 years since they were first introduced into Australian schools, Indigenous Education Workers have actively and tirelessly acted as a crucial bridge between non-indigenous teachers, their students, parents and the community. Knowledge of local environmental and community dynamics, kinship principles, values and languages, compounded by their deep concern for the success of their students, means they are a natural link within school communities and are often catalysts for innovative approaches to school programs that benefit Indigenous students country-wide.
Honey Ants Author, Margaret James, recently met with a group of Indigenous Education Workers and parents groups in Alice Springs and was inspired by their dedication to making the difference on the ground, supporting and working with Indigenous children and their teachers at school, and offering advice and encouragement to their families. Many of them are buying the Honey Ant Readers program to introduce to teachers that they assist.
Indigenous Education Workers play a vital role in getting Indigenous children to school, and once there, in helping to keep school relevant. At the Honey Ant Readers we believe their dedication should be acknowledged as a crucial part of a holistic approach involving students, teachers, parents, school administration, community members, politicians and the media for promoting Indigenous education outcomes!