Campus visit an inspiration

An inspiring three-day program at the University of Adelaide has given Aboriginal school students a taste of what life and study is like at university.

More than 40 Aboriginal students across Years 10, 11 and 12 from nine schools attended the First Generation Program at the University earlier this year, to gain an understanding of the opportunities university can offer for learning and career development.

The First Generation Program aims to help young people become the first members in their families to go to university. It is one of four Future SACE School to Work programs receiving a total of $5.7m in funds over three years to support the introduction of the new South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

This year the University of Adelaide's program engaged Aboriginal students from country and metro areas.

The program included a research project, discussions with student mentors about transitioning to university and living in the city, and information on the Wilto Yerlo program, which assists indigenous students attending the University of Adelaide.

Sally Bronca, a Year 10 student at Port Lincoln High School who visited the University, said: "It was a new experience and I was a bit shy at first. I thought the program would involve heaps of lectures but it's been really engaging.

"I had to do a presentation on digital photography as part of the research workshop. I've never spoken in public before or done anything like that. It's taught me much about research and preparation.

"Meeting other students here has been inspiring too. I'd like to study business and accounting at university."

Rebecca Richards, who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Adelaide, gave an encouraging speech to the school students about her pathway.

"I'm from the Flinders Ranges and I was the first one in my family to go to the University. It can be hard having that distance from your family but you do meet new people," Rebecca said.

"Studying for an Anthropology degree has given me the opportunity to lobby governments internationally about indigenous issues.
"It's good to see students' ideas of what they want to do, form and take shape here."

Greg Albrecht, Aboriginal Education teacher at Glossop High School, said: "I'm really passionate about programs like this because I've seen the outcomes.

"For school students to walk around the University and to get a feel for what life and study is like here, helps to break down the mystique.

"When the kids see other students just a few years older than themselves at university and talk with them, that means they are able to relate, they can see themselves in a similar position one day. It's not just about aspiration, but seeing this process followed through."

Students attending the program were from Port Lincoln High School, Port Augusta Secondary School, Glossop High School, Waikerie High School, Loxton High School, Immanuel College, Unity College, Christies Beach High School and Salisbury High School.

Story by Will Venn