A local Indigenous-led education program wins nation’s top governance award
A local Territory education program which aims to improve educational and employment outcomes for remote Indigenous students has found national acclaim.
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A local Territory education program has found national acclaim at the Indigenous Governance Awards this month.
The first-place award recognised the excellent governance model of the Learning on Country (LoC) program and its success in achieving educational and employment outcomes for remote Indigenous students.
LoC graduate and Aboriginal ranger Jonah Ryan is one of those success stories.
His dream job was to become a ranger like his father Matthew Ryan, who has gone on to become Chairman of the Northern Land Council.
“I watched him and knew I wanted to be a ranger too,” he said.
“Now I get to teach the younger generation how to look after and care for country. I hope to inspire some of these kids to also become rangers one day.”
Mr Ryan credits LoC with enabling him to live his dreams.
The LoC’s ‘two toolbox approach’ incorporates both Western and Indigenous learning models to deliver culturally appropriate education and training to Indigenous students.
“Learning in the classroom is important to learn the city life,” Mr Ryan said.
“But it’s also important to be out of the classroom and on country. We call this ‘both ways’ learning – learning to walk in both worlds’.
The LoC’s governance structure ensures Aboriginal ownership and control through local community committees and a steering committee.
It is administered by the Northern Land Council and delivered collaboratively by Aboriginal Rangers like Mr Ryan and local schools.
Two thousand seven hundred and sixty seven Indigenous students across 14 remote Top End schools benefited from the program in 2024.
The program in itself represents a large employment opportunity for remote communities, with 177 Indigenous employees in 2024.
LoC points to employment outcomes and VET certification for its students as key measures of success.
“We saw 27 students transition to work with local ranger groups and other community sectors in 2023,” a spokesman said.
“We also had 300 Indigenous students enrol in VET courses, with 30 achieving certification.”
LoC currently operates in the Top End only.
“I would love to see Learning on Country spread to other country across Australia,” Mr Ryan said.
“It’s really important for all Aboriginal kids to be on country and sit down with the Elders and hear their stories.”
Education and Training Minister Jo Hersey praised the work of the program in communities such as Maningrida where Mr Ryan is from.
Ms Hersey hopes that the program could help to better engage remote students and boost attendance which has declined in recent years.
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