New funding to support more kids through the Learning on Country program

A Territory school program has been given almost $30m in federal funding to help more kids stay at school. See how the it’s helping kids.

A successful ranger program that fosters stronger connection between Aboriginal children and their cultural land will be expanded.

The program’s decade of success has drawn a further $29.4m investment to expand it reach across the Territory and Australia.

Learning on Country currently exists in 15 sites but will soon be rolled out in four more schools over the next six years.

The Northern Land Council has connected Aboriginal ranger groups with Territory schools to integrate ‘both ways learning’, which has shown to increase school participation and provide pathways for employment.

The federal government earlier this month committed the funding to expand its reach.

NLC chairman Samuel Bush-Blansi said the funding ensured remote Indigenous students had access to education pathways that support them to walk “strong in our culture and Balanda culture.”

Edwina Murphy and Laneise Hall celebrating 10 years of the Learning on Country program. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NLC

“Our children are the future and I want to see them get the right education and go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives and care for their families, community and Country – this program creates that pathway for them,” he said.

Officials in August gathered in Katherine to celebrate the program’s success.

Rangers bring valuable knowledge of land and sea management - guided by Traditional Owners - to the Learning on Country program plays which helps develop the next generation of custodians.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Linda Burney said the investment ensures more people benefit from the program and can stay connected to their history.

“Supporting First Nations students to engage with their schooling in this way and prioritise learning on Country nurtures an increased sense of identity and self-esteem,” she said.

“By integrating culture and Country into the school curriculum, remote Aboriginal students can walk strong in both worlds and be given more paths to success.”