How Yipirinya’s Sunset School changes futures

Yipirinya’s innovative Sunset School program continues to focus on keeping kids engaged, encouraging personal growth, and promoting community involvement among its emerging students.

Yipirinya School stands as a beacon of cultural connection and educational innovation. Catering to over 350 students from town camps and the community, Yipirinya offers a unique two-way learning experience that embraces four different language groups.

However, the school’s impact extends far beyond regular school hours through its remarkable after-school program — the Sunset School.

Launched in April 2022, the Yipirinya Sunset School aims to engage the young people of Alice Springs in meaningful activities outside of normal school hours.

Operating after school, on weekends, and during school holidays, the Sunset School focuses on building long-term positive outcomes for youth through relationships, culture, and inclusion.

Students participating in a team sports activity at the Sunset School.

The program’s primary goal is to keep children off the streets and involved in activities that foster personal growth and community engagement. about building stronger communities and developing essential life skills.

These activities are tailored to each student’s interests, fuelling their passion and empowering them to take charge of their education and personal growth.

Students engaging in arts and crafts during an after-school session.

The Sunset School program emphasises innovation, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in education.

By adapting educational approaches to meet the needs and interests of students, it creates an environment where all students feel valued and supported.

This holistic approach not only improves educational outcomes but also enhances student wellbeing.

“We actively seek initiatives to engage kids in meaningful activities, aiming to build a supportive and enriching community.,” said Dr Gavin Morris Principal.

The positive outcomes seen at Yipirinya School following the implementation of the Sunset

School program highlight the transformative impact that empowering and engaging young people can have on educational outcomes and student wellbeing.

In October 2022, just six months after the program’s launch, enrolment at Yipirinya School tripled, and attendance rates almost quadrupled, underscoring the program’s effectiveness.

Students learning cooking skills as part of the Sunset School activities.

The success of the Sunset School in boosting enrolment and attendance rates is a testament to

the effectiveness of its approach in engaging and supporting young people and their families.

By focusing on a holistic range of activities such as sports, community participation, and

personal development, the program addresses not only academic needs but also social and practical skill development.

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) reveals that over 40 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children start school developmentally vulnerable, twice the rate of non- Indigenous peers.

This highlights the critical need for early intervention to equip Indigenous children with essential skills for future success.

Yipirinya School’s 45-year dedication to culturally sensitive learning environments aims to significantly benefit its students.

Research consistently shows that early engagement in quality learning enhances language skills, reduces behavioural issues, and strengthens parent-child interactions, providing long-term benefits throughout primary school.

Indigenous young people are significantly over-represented in the youth justice system, with

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth comprising over 53 per cent of all 10-17-year-olds in youth detention despite making up only approximately 6per cent of the population in this age group.

Effective early intervention and support can help prevent these negative outcomes by

addressing developmental vulnerabilities early on.

As Yipirinya School continues to innovate and support its students, the Sunset School stands as a strong example of how after school programs can transform lives, build stronger

communities, and create brighter futures for Indigenous youth.