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Ready for school

The children want to learn at Gamardi, a 75-minute drive from Maningrida in central Arnhem Land, but the facilities would get an F and teachers are absent. Pictures: Rebecca Parker

September 22, 2023 - 11:00PM
The Australian
Children enjoy a story on the steps of Gamardi Homeland Learning Centre in Arnhem Land. Pictures: Rebecca Parker
Children enjoy a story on the steps of Gamardi Homeland Learning Centre in Arnhem Land. Pictures: Rebecca Parker
There’s no electricity to power lights and fans in the classroom.
There’s no electricity to power lights and fans in the classroom.
Leerica Pascoe at Gamardi school, where students go weeks and months without a teacher turning up.
Leerica Pascoe at Gamardi school, where students go weeks and months without a teacher turning up.
Anastias Pascoe, 7, on the deck at Gamardi, a 75-minute drive from Maningrida in central Arnhem Land.
Anastias Pascoe, 7, on the deck at Gamardi, a 75-minute drive from Maningrida in central Arnhem Land.
Rekayia Rankin, 14, with a shark caught near Gamardi.
Rekayia Rankin, 14, with a shark caught near Gamardi.
Rekayia and Quentin Rankin, also 14, play in the rundown school playground.
Rekayia and Quentin Rankin, also 14, play in the rundown school playground.
The road to Gamardi is accessible only in the dry season.
The road to Gamardi is accessible only in the dry season.
Gamardi traditional owner Dale Pascoe outside the school, which doesn’t have power or water let alone internet.
Gamardi traditional owner Dale Pascoe outside the school, which doesn’t have power or water let alone internet.
A jammed roller door at Gamardi means there’s no breeze.
A jammed roller door at Gamardi means there’s no breeze.
Russell Brian in front of the old Buluhkaduru Homelands Learning Centre, where he went to school.
Russell Brian in front of the old Buluhkaduru Homelands Learning Centre, where he went to school.
The schoolroom in Yikarrakkal was in use until last year.
The schoolroom in Yikarrakkal was in use until last year.
An overgrown playground at Yikarrakkal.
An overgrown playground at Yikarrakkal.
It’s playtime at Gamardi but the weather is threatening.
It’s playtime at Gamardi but the weather is threatening.
Anastias Pascoe entertains camp dogs outside Gamardi.
Anastias Pascoe entertains camp dogs outside Gamardi.
Independent journalists Kylie Stevenson, Caroline Graham and Tilda Colling.
Independent journalists Kylie Stevenson, Caroline Graham and Tilda Colling.
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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/indigenous/ready-for-school/image-gallery/e72250d3a295aa71cc4b0687b5828277