Scotch College

Dr F G Donaldson AM, Principal

Education holds the key

Scotch College has made a huge response to the Kapumfi project in Zambia, which was launched around this time last year. The target of $153,000 has been achieved in nine months, rather than the anticipated three years!

World Vision has accelerated the construction process and we will see a much earlier completion of the six-classroom school with teachers’ residences, toilets, water supply and more. The people of Kapumfi are actively expressing their gratitude, and I would extend sincere thanks to everyone who gave such generous support. The first tour by Scotch students and staff is scheduled for this month of September. We await news of their observations with keen anticipation.

The central importance of education in improving the lot of today’s disadvantaged was further emphasised during the Year 10 football trip to the Northern Territory, including Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands. I was privileged to accompany the tour to the islands and to see for myself the overwhelming welcome and hospitality extended by these friendly and generous people. Their relationship with Scotch has been nurtured for a decade and is wonderful to observe. Our match against the boys of Xavier School attracted huge attention, to the extent that the visiting magistrate closed his court so that all involved (including himself) could watch a skilful and entertaining game!

In spite of the determined efforts of dedicated educators working there, however, the levels of literacy and numeracy are alarmingly low, as are health and life-expectancy measures. Alcohol abuse creates dreadful consequences for the whole community and there are no simple answers.

Scotch’s involvement with the Tiwi Islands is described elsewhere in Great Scot and is hopefully contributing to a better future there. We have learned that, without intervention that enjoys the support and encouragement of the indigenous leaders, it is very difficult to achieve the improvements that are so urgently needed. We have benefited from wise advice and, encouraged by the success of the program so far, are committed to developing our relationship with Xavier, Nguiu.

The Tiwi Education Board has developed a promising initiative to create Tiwi College, providing residential secondary education through a curriculum designed to equip students for a full participation in the future of the Islands. The Federal Government has provided generous seeding finance.

Links have been developed with training providers and island industries, and a special science program, developed with the help of the CSIRO, should encourage effective resource management. These measures will enhance the fundamental emphasis on elevating literacy and numeracy standards to increase the employability of the young people. Given the obvious interest in football and the abundant talents of the islanders, it is no surprise that Tiwi College, in conjunction with the Clontarf Foundation, will encourage an emphasis on sporting skills, with specialist training in cricket, football, athletics and netball.

I have assured Tiwi College of our willingness to help to build on our existing relationship, where Scotch has tried to help where possible in response to guidance from Aboriginal communities. We are encouraged by the great strides taken in recent years, with three full-time boarders in addition to the boys from Tiwi who have experienced shorter terms here. Scotch is joining in partnership with Tiwi College, promoting cultural and sporting exchanges. We may consider sending Scotch teachers on short-term secondments to provide experienced curriculum and teaching expertise; and following a suggestion from an Old Scotch Collegian, we may assist in arranging volunteer retirees to give of their experience. It is truly inspiring to envisage a whole Scotch Family response to this worthy cause.

The contrasts between Scotch College and the conditions in Kapumfi or Tiwi are stark and have inspired responses that we hope will provide enduring benefits. The willing involvement of today’s students indicates that our boys recognise their responsibility to change things for the better.

The striving for improvement has fuelled human development for centuries and remains a focus for Scotch at Hawthorn. While considering the needs of others, we are also examining the school’s master plan, to cater for our students’ needs today and in the future. Looking ahead is an exciting aspect of education and the coming months will be challenging as we consider this important and multi-faceted matter.