Aboriginal girls at Hastings Secondary College had the opportunity to sing with Christine Anu at NAIDOC Week celebrations in July 31.
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After undertaking a 12 week program designed to connect to language and culture, the girls who study at both the Wesport and Port Macquarie campus were invited to sing with the esteemed Aboriginal entertainer and local Aboriginal Women’s Choir.
Program facilitator Rhonda Radley said it was wonderful to see the transformation of the girls as the program went on.
“Around 40 girls from Hastings Secondary College took part in the course which was designed to build self esteem, cultural identity and give some of the girls an introduction to language through song,” Ms Radley said.
“At the end of the program they were then invited to sing with Christine Anu and the local Aboriginal Women’s Choir on stage in front of their peers.
“On the day around 30 of the girls took up the invitation and afterwards they were absolutely buzzing.”
As part of the program the girls were able to learn from each other and feel comfortable exploring their culture in a safe place.
“I was thrilled with the level of participation from the girls and delighted to share in their incredible journey,” she said.
“What I tried to do was get them to trust each other and form a cohesive group.
“They all identify as Aboriginal but didn’t necessarily mix as peers so it was wonderful to see that change.
“Through each of the sessions I tried to ensure each girl learnt they had a voice, should be seen and valued and had a sense of belonging and faith.”
Ms Radley also said over the weeks the group spoke about identity as both a women and as an Aboriginal.
“It was really important the girls felt safe to explore what it means to be both a women and an Aboriginal woman.
“It was great to see some of the older girls step up into a leadership role to mentor the younger girls and form that bond.
“In our sharing circle we spoke a lot about our history and connecting to our ancestors as well as what makes us strong.
“It was a safe space where the girls could talk about their culture, ask questions and build their networks with other girls in a similar position.”
She said now the program is over the girls have a renewed sense of belonging and cultural identity.
“After the girls sang with the choir and Christine Anu they came off the stage so proud of themselves and on such a high.
“They said they had absolutely loved it and had a really strong sense of cultural pride and that is exactly what I had hoped would happen.
“From here we are hoping to develop some opportunities for the girls to come and sing with the choir again and are exploring them taking on a role at the Women’s Festival in 2019."
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