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.
Scotch College Indigenous Liaison Officer, Gillian Johnson, who accompanied three students to Curtin said her students benefited from the visit.
“Attending Kamberang Day was a very positive experience for our students because it gave them the opportunity to be in a university environment around peers who share similar goals in terms of pursuing higher education,” she said.
“Experiences like this are important to help build the students’ enthusiasm for attending university.
“The students found activities like clay modelling to learn about digital imaging very interesting and they also enjoyed the activities at Curtin Stadium.”
Kamberang signifies October and November on the Nyungar seasonal calendar.
