‘If Indi Kindi were given the opportunity … the benefits could be exponential’: new report
A NEW report into an Indigenous early years program showed initiatives co-designed and managed by Aboriginal people are more likely to close the gap
Northern Territory
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A NEW report into Indigenous early years program Indi Kindi showed initiatives co-designed and managed by Aboriginal people are more likely to close the gap.
The Barhava Report by Dr Galia Barhava-Monteith found Indi Kindi, an early years program run in Borroloola and Robinson River, improves educational outcomes, provides increased access to health care, local employment opportunities and professional development, and promotes local languages and cultural pride.
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Dr Barhava-Monteith said these combined were crucial in improving outcomes for Aboriginal children.
“The benefits delivered by the Indi Kindi program directly correlate to many Closing the Gap criteria,” she said. “Because it respects and incorporates the community’s wisdom in how it was designed and is now delivered – it offers unique pathways to addressing some of the complex issues its community faces.
“If Indi Kindi were given the opportunity to scale, adapt and expand its operations, the benefits could be exponential.”
Indi Kindi educator Deandra McDinny, who was featured in the report for her work as a leader, said the program had a profound impact on herself and students.
“I love coming to work every day, working with my colleagues to make a better community, a better environment for the kids to learn,” she said.
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“They learn how to wash their hands before they eat, how to count and their ABCs. We know how these kids grow up and how they want to learn … (Indi Kindi) is changing kids’ lives in the community.
“We help them get to school.”
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