School Programs - Institute of Indigenous Wellbeing and Sport

Young Achievers Club (YAC)

YAC is a free culturally secure support program for primary schools which uses a strengths perspective to improve education outcomes, health & wellbeing, and cultural connection for students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

We deliver cultural learning modules to primary school students, with the aim to foster cultural connection and create culturally safe and appropriate spaces using positive role models. We have previously delivered learning modules on the Nyoongar Six Seasons, Barna (animals), Ocean Animals, crafted a didgeridoo and a coolamon art pieces and cooked some bush tucker.

Students are exposed to Traditional Indigenous Games. The students learn the name of the game, its history, who traditionally played it and then get to play it knowing it’s importance to Indigenous culture. These games are adapted to be suitable for children, and focus on resilience and leadership, and personal development and self-awareness.

At the IIWS we like to form strong relationships with the students that we work with in YAC. We try and help out with NAIDOC week where we can by helping cook BBQ’s or attending assemblies. We also like to attend school carnivals to watch students compete and attend assemblies where students are getting awards to show our support for their commitment to school.

Why was YAC developed?

Positive anecdotal feedback
Identified need to support schools
Increase attendance and academic results
Increase health and wellbeing
Increase cultural connection
Community requests

The key outcomes for the project are:

Increased school attendance and improved educational outcomes.
Increased capacity of Indigenous families and communities to engage with schools.
Improve the health, social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous students and families engaged in the service.

Cultural Leadership

We also deliver cultural leadership and celebrations to increase school attendance and family engagement. Cultural Celebrations are offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2.

We are able to organise a BBQ, morning or afternoon tea during normal YAC delivery sessions or run traditional Indigenous Games during NAIDOC week.

At the end of the year, we arrange a Traditional Indigenous Games Carnival where all schools are invited to compete against each other. Awards are given to students who have displayed leadership and sportsmanlike conduct.

If your school is looking to provide this program to students, please reach out for more information!