Teens from Ngukurr graduate high school, become role models for younger kids

A NEW trend is starting in the remote community of Ngukurr, with its first high school graduates becoming role models for younger kids.

Melissa Wurramarrba and Dana Gumbula are the first students to graduate from Ngukurr. The community raised funds to get dresses and hair and make up for their graduation.

A NEW trend is starting in the remote community of Ngukurr, with its first high school graduates becoming role models for younger kids.

Melissa Wurramarrba and Dana Gumbula, both 17, were treated to a new hairdo and a bit of shopping to celebrate their achievement ahead of their graduation at SkyCity last night.

The pair completed Year 12 through the NT Open Education Centre and both aspire to continue their education to give back to the youth in their community.

“I want to teach because I like to work with young children,” Ms Wurramarrba said.

Ms Gumbula is completing a VET course in child care and Ms Wurramarrba is hoping to study primary education at Flinders University in Adelaide. “It makes me feel really proud because I’m the first one in my family to complete Year 12 and to go to uni,” Ms Wurramarrba said.

The pair joined 39 other students for their graduation from the NTOEC program last night, including seven others from remote communities.