Visiting Bunbury Senior High School today, Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery announced the expansion of the Follow the Dream program into three schools; in the South-West, Mid-West and the Kimberley.
For more than 20 years, the Follow the Dream program has provided educational opportunities and experiences for Aboriginal students in Western Australian public schools.
Provided through a longstanding and valued partnership between the Department of Education and the Polly Farmer Foundation, the Follow the Dream program encourages students to celebrate their culture, and provides a sense of belonging and connection to their community.
The continued success of the program in schools around the State sees student participation increasing every year.
Bunbury Senior High School, Geraldton Senior High School and Halls Creek District High School will join 92 public schools already participating in the successful program that empowers students to achieve their best.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"I am pleased to announce that the fantastic Follow the Dream program will now be offered to public school students in Bunbury, Geraldton and Halls Creek.
"Nearly 2,000 students in 92 public schools throughout Western Australia already participate in the successful program that provides students with opportunities to connect to their peers, their culture and their learning."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The investment in each of these regional communities will provide young Aboriginal people with access to the range of experiences that come from participation in the Follow the Dream program.
"The celebrating of Aboriginal culture for young indigenous Australians is so important in forming their self-identity and a sense of belonging.
"This program aligns with our socio-economic targets for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to ensure Aboriginal students achieve their full learning potential including by further education pathways."
