Curtin University of Technology recently welcomed 140 indigenous year 10 and 11 students from all over WA for an inspirational day of fun and learning on its Bentley Campus.
The inaugural Kamberang Day was organised by Curtin’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS) and its Prospective Student Services unit to raise the aspirations of indigenous high school students and support their retention through to year 12 and into university.
CAS Director, Associate Professor Anita Lee Hong, said the event was just one way Curtin has tried to encourage more indigenous people to undertake tertiary studies.
“We want to inspire young indigenous students to commit to their studies and take on the challenges of tertiary education,” she said.
“An exciting and educational day like this allowed them to see all the opportunities open to them at university and beyond.
“The day was such a success that we plan to make it an annual event.”
The students came from high schools all over Perth and the program included a motivational address by Channel Ten Perth news presenter Narelda Jacobs and a range of fun and engaging activities.
Information about university life and career opportunities was also provided through group sessions in science and engineering, business, health sciences, and humanities.
The students were also treated to basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer at the Curtin Stadium, the University’s brand new $27 million sporting complex.
Merredin School District Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Tanya Garlett, who accompanied four students to Curtin, said they enjoyed and benefited from the visit.
“Attending Kamberang Day was a very positive experience for our students because it gave them the opportunity to meet and catch up with their peers in a vibrant university environment,” she said.
“The day was especially beneficial for two of our Year 10 students because they had never been to a university campus before so it was a real eye-opener for them.
“All our students really enjoyed the team building activities and working together.”
Kamberang signifies October and November on the Nyungar seasonal calendar.
