Young Mob Lead the Way: Co-Designing a National Indigenous Student Congress

PHOTO: four Heatley Secondary College Students participating in an Activity for NIYEC’s co-design workshop. They are gathered around a circular table with Lego centered in the middle.

NIYEC recently visited Heatley Secondary College in Gurambilbarra (Townsville) to run a co-design workshop with a group of 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, as part of a national program to shape a National Indigenous Student Congress.

The workshop was part of NIYEC’s national co-design phase, where young people are leading the design of a Congress model that reflects their needs, priorities and aspirations. At Heatley, students explored what it means to have agency in their learning - and how a national Congress could drive the changes they want to see in education systems across the country. Program and Learning Director at NIYEC, Renee Phillips — who co-facilitated the session — shared:

“We had such a powerful and inspiring workshop at Heatley Secondary College.

“The students were deeply thoughtful and had a clear vision for what better and more just education systems could look like — and a network that could connect them all across the continent.”

Students spoke powerfully about the challenges they face, the strength they carry and their hopes for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners are supported to thrive. From Year 7s to Year 12s on the cusp of graduation, many had never been asked the question: If you could design your future learning system, what would it look like?

“When given the opportunity, they shared incredible ideas about how their voices and agency could be centred and supported,” Renee said.

“Even more moving was the way they spoke with care and intention about ensuring all students — regardless of their circumstances or limitations — could have their voices heard. “It’s a powerful reminder of the collective strength, compassion, and responsibility that young Black students hold for one another.”

The National Indigenous Student Congress will connect high-school aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners, offer capacity building opportunities, and create a space for young people to speak directly to their self-determined education priorities.

It is grounded in the belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and young people have an essential role in shaping fair, just, culturally responsive, and future-proof learning systems. This vision is reflected in the Coolangatta Statement on Indigenous People’s Right to Education, which states:

“Youth and the young have a special place and responsibility in the struggle to nurture and protect Indigenous cultures. It is to them that truths and wisdoms are bequeathed”.

As the national co-design phase continues, NIYEC is committed to ensuring that the Congress reflects the diverse voices and experiences of young people across the country.