EdLiveWire
Australian Schools help to close the gap
On February 13, 2008 at 9.00am Australia turned its attention to Canberra, as an historical bi-partisan apology was made to the indigenous people of this country for past injustices. These powerful speeches paved the way forward for true reconciliation.
Now schools across Australia can sign up to be part of the national effort towards closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between indigenous and non-indigenous children, through the Reconciliation Action Plan Program for Schools.
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Program for Schools was launched at Giralang Primary School in Canberra, with eight “trailblazer” schools already committed to specific, measurable activities in three central areas of reconciliation:
- building respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people;
- respecting Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture;
- and creating opportunities to support Indigenous people succeed for the benefit of all Australians.
The RAP program was first launched by Reconciliation Australia in 2006 as a forward-looking aspect of the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. The program encourages and supports diverse organisations – from large corporates like Qantas, ANZ and BHP Billiton to hospitals and local councils – to determine actions they will take to help close the gap.
Reconciliation Australia’s chief executive Barbara Livesey said that response to the program from different sectors has been remarkable, with 50 RAPs already registered on Reconciliation Australia’s website and 400 more currently in development.
“Each RAP is a significant step towards reconciliation – the cumulative potential of the program to build relationships, respect and opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is massive,” said Ms Livesey. “With schools around the country being encouraged to hold summits in the lead-up to the 2020 Summit in April and talk through what’s important for Australia, the School RAP program couldn’t have come at a better time.” The leader singer of Powderfinger Bernard Fanning said: “It’s not surprising schools are showing a particular interest in RAPs because young Australians have the most to gain from what we achieve in reconciliation.
“And where some adults may have trouble understanding what reconciliation means, kids and their teachers usually have an instinctive feel for what’s needed.” Reconciliation Australia has developed a model RAP which is easy for schools to adapt to their particular environment. The model focuses on activities to build students’ understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and encourages shared pride and mutual respect. It has been trialled with schools and teaching professionals, and will be promoted through education networks around Australia from today.
“Working together with members of Powderfinger, we aim to have 200 schools signed up to a RAP by National Reconciliation Week (NRW),” said Ms Livesey. “The majority of Australian schools already take part in NRW (27 May – 3 June) each year – this year, we’re encouraging them to get involved in a really meaningful way that will contribute to reconciliation all year round.”
Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill congratulated Giralang Primary and other trailblazer schools around Australia who have already completed a RAP or committed to developing one in coming weeks, including: Lourdes Hill College (QLD) Giralang Primary School (ACT) Ainslie Primary School (ACT) Fadden Primary School (ACT) Florey Primary School (ACT) Ashcroft High School (NSW) St Josephs College (NSW) Melbourne Girls Grammar School (VIC)
“By signing up for the program from the start, these schools have made it so much easier for others to come on board,” said Jon. “In a few weeks time, they’ll be examples that show how every type of school in different environments and with different priorities can make their own special contribution to reconciliation. “The other guys from the band and I look forward to meeting some of the people involved in creating school RAPs during National Reconciliation Week.”
For more information and copies of the School RAP model, go to www.reconciliation.org.au