Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre welcomes Tiwi students from Wurrumiyanga after COVID-19 enforced lay-off

THE Michael Long Centre has welcomed its first group of remote Indigenous students onsite to participate in its education and leadership programs in over 14 months due to COVID impacts.

Xavier College students enjoying MLLLC programs. Picture: AFLNT

THE Michael Long Centre has welcomed its first group of remote Indigenous students onsite to participate in its education and leadership programs in over 14 months due to COVID impacts.

Tiwi Island students from Wurrumiyanga travelled to the MLLLC as part of the Make Your Mark Leadership Program.

This initiative was designed to improve educational outcomes for remote Indigenous children in the Northern Territory.

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The program includes a week long residential program including football-themed literacy and numeracy curriculum, team building activities, AFL mentoring and skill training, road safety, health and wellbeing sessions.

Students also visit Darwin boarding schools and local attractions which increases their understanding and awareness of the opportunities available to them outside their home community.

Over 110 students from Xavier Catholic College in Wurrumiyanga have participated in MLLLC Programs in the past five years.

MLLLC programs lead Amanda Marshall acknowledged the important role the program plays in encouraging leadership, identifying student’s passions and highlighting the importance of completing secondary education.

“The aim is to support remote Indigenous youth in new experiences and opportunities that cultivate a passion for pursuing their education,” Marshall said.

“This week students have travelled from Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island to participate in the Make Your Mark Leadership Program.

“The centre is alive with the excited energy of 17 students as they engage in new experiences and learning.

“The MLLLC is not unfamiliar to many of these students who have seen their family travel to Darwin for the program in past years and return home with new understandings and confidence.”

Xavier Catholic College HPE and wellbeing co-ordinator Josh Leane believes the program is a great way to promote leadership, confidence and improved wellbeing.

“This program supports students through strengthening their engagement and learning at school and in community,” Leane said.

“I would recommend this program to any remote or rural community looking to increase attendance, engagement and opportunity for their students.”