24 August 2017
Mt Gambier students Janeth Andrews and Laura Long will celebrate a life milestone today when they graduate from UniSA’s Aboriginal Pathways Program (APP) giving them entry to further study at University.
Taught over 1.5 years the APP is an enabling pathway program tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students which supports then to builds the skills required to succeed at university.
Maintaining the same standards, expectations, and quality of teaching as offered through the University’s highly successful UniSA College, APP students undertake nine courses over 18 months to learn to develop academic and digital literacy skills, research and communication, as well as numeracy and discipline specific knowledge.
In addition the program includes courses in Aboriginal Knowledges, Learning and Culture; Land Management; and Building Academic Success.
Long and Andrews are the first graduates of the 2016 program in Mt Gambier and today they will attend a graduation celebration at 1pm today.
There is great diversity in the student cohort, with students ranging from 19 years to 73 years old. Aboriginal Elders, school completers, young parents and those seeking a career change or to enhance their skills are studying side by side.
Both students are hoping to use their education to work in the community.
Laura Long
After moving around to different schools in her final years of schooling, Laura became aware of the APP program through a careers day at school.
Laura has always had an interest in psychology and a strong desire to help others.
She will now begin a Bachelor of Social Science with the goal of becoming a Social Worker in her community. Laura is the first in her family to study at University. She enrolled to better herself, make a change and encourage the next generation to believe that no dream is too big.
“Truly the only limit is your imagination,” Long says.
Janeth Andrews
Janeth involvement in a car accident was a transformational moment – and one that set her on a path to study. She says her family – especially her mum – has been pivotal in supporting her achievements.
Her goal is to become a Social Worker for Aboriginal children between the ages of 0-12 years and she is passionate about making a difference in children’s lives.
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
