BHP will make a fresh A$1 million ($700,000) donation and continue to support the Studio Schools of Australia’s model for Indigenous education as a foundation partner, the miner announced.
“Our ambition is to transform Indigenous education, and this incredible support will help keep us on that path, Studio Schools Australia Chair Jennifer Westacott said in a media statement.
The contribution will help deliver a multi-function sports pavilion at Yiramalay school and the establishment of landmark Indigenous Education Research Centre (IERC) at Bandilngan (Windjana) Gorge.
“BHP joins the federal government as key backers of the Studio Schools of Australia project, which is already working at the Yiramalay school in the Kimberley,” Westacott said.
“Through Studio Schools Australia we are bringing work and learning together to give students the best chance, and it’s working. This is a game changer for Northern Australia,” she said.
“Year 12 attainment remains shamefully low in remote and very remote communities in any state.”
“Studio Schools’ approach of on country learning that considers traditional language and culture, together with the broader Australian curriculum, is a proven and successful educational model,”
BHP’s Head of Indigenous Engagement, Allan James, said.
“It’s good for students and their communities because it provides a more appropriate learning model in remote and very remote locations. BHP is proud to be a foundational partner in the establishment of a broader network of Studio Schools to support education and opportunities for remote Indigenous communities and is peoples,” James said.
