Have Your Say on the First Nations Education Policy
The Australian Government is creating a new National First Nations Education Policy, and we need Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to help shape it. NIYEC is leading a national youth engagement to make sure young mob’s voices, experiences and aspirations are heard.
About the First Nations Education policy
In 1989, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy (NATSIEP) was introduced as a joint initiative by the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments in Australia. Unfortunately, current approaches have not delivered on the vision of this original policy nor guaranteed equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. Governments must do more.
Right now, The Australian Government is rewriting this policy and its approach to First Nations education, and your voice needs to be at the centre. This new policy aims to make learning places culturally safe, respectful and grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations. It will shape early childhood, primary and secondary schooling and post-school learning and training pathways.
By sharing your experiences, you can help hold systems accountable and make we’re designing learning systems that our fit for our collective future.
In person youth workshops:
Youth Workshops: NIYEC will be hosting 5 in person workshops to hear directly from young mob about what is working, and what needs to be changed to improve Australia’s education system. These workshops are for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners (aged 18-28 years). These workshops will be taking place in Broome, Darwin, Brisbane, Rockhampton & Adelaide, and we will be partnering with NATSIEC in select locations. To register interest, please sign the form linked in your state or territory’s listing in our events tab.
High School Workshops: NIYEC will be reaching out to high schools directly. If you’re interested in supporting your students to contribute, contact NIYEC at layla@niyec.com
Want to get involved?
Online workshops:
Online Youth Workshops: If you won’t be able to make it to an in-person workshop, NIYEC is also offering 4 online mini workshops, for any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners (aged 16-28 years) who want to have a say on the First Nations Education Policy.
Online Yarns with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Organisations: NIYEC will engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth organisations to gather their perspectives on the First Nations Education Policy. By connecting with organisations working across education, health, and community services, NIYEC aims to capture insights on the intersectional experiences that shape Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people’s educational journeys.
Drawing Submissions
NIYEC wants to hear from the primary school students about their hopes for the future of education, and their experiences of learning. If you are interested in getting involved, you can submit a drawing & download the educator resource pack in our Knowledge Base
NIYEC / NATSIEC Survey Submission
NIYEC is collaborating with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Council (NATSIEC) to host a First Nations Engagement Survey. The survey will be tailored to capture the perspectives of: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, community members, and the First Nations education workforce. Insights specific to young people will be synthesised by NIYEC and incorporated into a final engagement report.
Supports Available
If you need support with registering for our workshops, or in completing the survey reach out to connect@niyec.com. A member of our team will give you a call to assist.