Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation’s latest Our Way work-ready program includes weekly culture day to engage higher number of at-risk youth

Heading to the beach for a swim, camping in the bush with mates and fishing — it may all sound like fun and games, but these are the tools being used to help at-risk children get back into the classroom or find jobs in Broome. The Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation launched its latest 10-week Our Way work-ready program earlier this month, but has added a valuable twist to appeal to more youth. The measure targets youngsters between 12 and 24 who are not working or have become disengaged with their learning, often partnering with like-minded groups to run workshops with the goal of transitioning participants back into school or employment and training opportunities. Workers at the corporation have now implemented a “culture day” once every week to bolster the program this term, to help children strengthen their connection to culture and country. The weekly highlight is flexible and open to suggestions from youth, who can take part in anything from heading out to country to fish to joining in a healing camp, playing at Cable Beach or learning about the town and its Indigenous history at the local museum. The cultural focus is running on top of daily activities that are already held as part of the program, which include sport, art, music, face painting and computer skills. Youth worker Crystal Stacey, who is also a trained circus performer, will teach the basics of juggling, hula-hoop and trapeze skills. NAC senior youth case worker Taryn Woods said the program used fun activities and the new culture day as a way to bring in more youth, who would also gain greater life skills from the workshops. “Instead of saying there is one way of doing things for every kid, let’s try new things instead,” she said. “Each of us here have different skills and backgrounds, like music, sport or even circus, so let’s use it. “If a kid comes in, they may not like one way of doing things, but we don’t want to lose them, so one of us will have the skills that will appeal to that individual.” Ms Woods said she was optimistic the “dynamic” approach would lead to improved outcomes for participants. “We want these kids to walk away feeling empowered, feeling confident,” she said. “Some will be back at school by the end of it, others will go onto study, get into apprenticeships, training or jobs. “Then once the program is finished, we maintain the relationship and provide follow-up support as long as they need it.” Our Way started at the beginning of this month and will run until October.