Bundaberg State High School's Girls Academy students today celebrated their achievements at a special awards ceremony.
The program's staff member Nicole Wone said the government-sponsored program aimed to help Indigenous high school girls succeed in their endeavours in the classroom and beyond.
“Here at Bundaberg State High School we have about 65 girls enrolled in the academy,” Nicole said.
“Our Girl's Academy Awards are a special day held once every year to showcase our girl's achievements.”
One award recipient, student Chantelle Douglas, said she was featured in the ceremony for her commitment to school and showing great leadership among her peers.
Chantelle said being part of the the program had challenged her and also helped her to achieve many things.
“It's all about being a part of a great group with our mentors alongside us,” she said.
“This group is a really supportive … they help you learn and they help you gain skills towards jobs.”
About Girls Academy
Girls Academy is the leading provider of school-based engagement programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.
The program was founded in 2004 by Olympian and champion basketballer Ricky Grace and works within the school system to drive community-led solutions aimed at overcoming the obstacles that prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls from attending and achieving at school.
Participants receive one-on-one mentoring and support from a team of skilled field staff.
Benefits of program taking effect
Development officer Lucy Hooper said since Girls Academy was introduced at Bundaberg State High School, classroom attendance numbers had greatly improved.
She said there were plenty of benefits involved in being part of the academy.
“We also find that while the girls are at school they are very engaged with the staff,” she said.
“They also get to experience a lot of extra curricular activities and engagement with cultural learnings.”
I say this is so amazing. What has been achieved this year in Bundaberg starts with with the management and their team. Again, what a way to finish a year off hard and to the girls, what can one say but go for gold. To the people of this land, well done everyone. God bless all.
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