Murlpirrmarra Connection provides opportunities for young Aboriginal students (aged 12 – 18), to pursue the education of their choosing. Acting on community demand and on behalf of the family unit, we connect students with a range of schools based on their request.
Murlpirrmarra Connection is not aligned to any specific school or boarding facility, rather we are a vehicle to all education providers requested by our supported students. Over time we have built connections with various schools across Western Australia, including Clontarf Aboriginal College, Edmund Rice College, North Albany Senior High School, Esperance Senior High School, and Carmel Adventist College.
To support the unique needs of all students in our program, we work with a range of stakeholders including local community groups and organisations, government agencies, medical services, sporting clubs and associations, and other not for profit organisations. Coordinating an end-to-end process with other key service providers, enables us to provide direct support and intervention to prevent any participant from ‘falling between the cracks’.
The support Murlpirrmarra Connection provides participants includes:
- providing students with access to 24/7 mentoring;
- writing and submitting school, boarding and ABSTUDY applications;
- organising student travel, including taking students to and from the airport to school;
- obtaining identification documents for students (for example, a Birth Certificate, Medicare card and Passport);
- obtaining medical documents (for example, immunisation records) and support with health checks;
- purchasing personal supplies for students for school and boarding (for example, uniform, toiletries, hygiene products, linen, bedding and clothes);
- advocating and represent the interests of the student at school and boarding;
- acting as a conduit between the school and boarding facility and parents / family;
- supporting students to engage in activities and events within and outside of school (for example school leadership camps and Murlpirrmarra reward days);
- organising counselling or provide access to rehabilitation services if required; and
- facilitating training / employment opportunities and work readiness (including support in obtaining a Driver’s License, White and Blue Cards and Educational / Training Certificates).
