Scotch College

Indigenous Student Program gains momentum

(L-R) Ross Congleton, Alan Watkinson, Pauline Westmore, Michele Linossier, Corrie Perkin and Rob Smith

Scotch is very proud that over the last three years there has been a growth in the Indigenous Student Program, which has now been running at Scotch for almost five years.

In 2006 Scotch is hosting three full-time Indigenous students from the Northern Territory – Nathan Djerrkura, Cyril Rioli and Stewart Rioli – and in May it will once again host two boys from the Tiwi Islands for a month.

These boys all benefit hugely from the experience of being at Scotch, and are all coping very well with their specially created study programs. In addition, they make a wonderful contribution to the cultural diversity of the School, and to the sporting success of the teams with which they are involved.

The boys are all hosted by the School, and live in the boarding houses while they are here. They are funded by the School as part of the special outreach program, and in turn they have already taken on leadership roles within their own indigenous communities during their holidays.

In fact, their elders have publicly stated that the experience these boys are enjoying at Scotch is in many ways preparing them to be the future leaders of their communities (see box).

To help support the indigenous outreach program, the Scotch College Foundation has established a small working committee to set up an Indigenous Student Endowment Fund (ISEF). The income from the ISEF, once it is established, will provide the necessary support for all the students’ needs beyond their boarding and tuition fees, which are met by the School. Airfares, uniforms, books, medical insurance, local transport – all need to be covered by the ISEF.

Later in the year we hope to launch the ISEF appeal with a special event, and look forward to the support of the Scotch Family for this very exciting and excellent project. This is another way in which Scotch can reach back to the wider community and make a genuine and heartfelt difference to these Indigenous families.

If you would like to discuss this initiative or make a donation to help meet the immediate needs of the students, please contact Alan Watkinson on 9810 4300 or at alan.watkinson@scotch.vic.edu.au

Alan Watkinson
Director of Development

‘Our Tiwi young men bring the knowledge and experience gained during the program back to the Tiwi Islands on their return, and share this with their family and friends.

‘In 10 years’ time we will have had twenty-plus young men complete the program, and they will be better prepared to lead the Tiwi Islands into a prosperous and harmonious future.’

– Tiwi Islands Local Community Partnership News 2005 –