BankSA Foundation awards Inspire Grant to transform Aboriginal Education

 

One culturally empowering school with a focus on the seamless integration of Aboriginal knowledge and education is set to expand its impact after receiving a 2024 BankSA Foundation Inspire Grant.

 

This year’s recipients, Ngutu College, a visionary independent K-12 school in Woodville North, South Australia, will receive up to $150,000 over the next three years to support two young Aboriginal staff members in attaining their teaching qualifications. With the support from BankSA Foundation, this investment helps to address the significant barriers to educational attainment faced by Aboriginal educators and children and enhance cultural teaching practices across South Australia’s education sector.

 

This year marks a significant milestone for the Foundation who recently refreshed its social impact strategy to focus on Inclusive Education, Connection and Participation. With the overarching mission to provide better education outcomes for children and young people experiencing disadvantage in South Australia, the Inspire Grant provides up to $50,000 per year for three years to one eligible charity and is currently offered to one eligible charity once every two years.

 

Ngutu College: a Beacon of Cultural and Educational Excellence

 

Dedicated to fostering a culturally rich and inclusive educational environment, Ngutu College stands out for its commitment to integrating Aboriginal perspectives into its curriculum and supporting the professional growth of Aboriginal educators. The college’s holistic model not only emphasises academic excellence, but also prioritises cultural respect and understanding, making it a vital institution within the South Australian education and Indigenous landscape.

 

BankSA Foundation funding will support the facilitation of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing barriers faced by Aboriginal staff in attaining teaching qualifications in the education sector. The program will provide young Aboriginal staff members with the opportunity to become qualified teachers while receiving comprehensive wrap-around support in a culturally safe school environment. Participants will benefit from mentorship by a site-based Aboriginal teacher and maintain their salary during their studies, ensuring financial stability pursuing their qualifications.

 

The initiative involves collaboration with UniSA and Adelaide University, enhancing engagement and ensuring successful participation. This partnership aims to not only support the professional development of Aboriginal educators but also inform broader student teacher development practices. By addressing significant barriers to educational attainment and fostering an environment that models aspirational achievement, Ngutu College is setting a precedent for cultural teaching practices across South Australian schools.

 

Ngutu College is one of 85+ community organisations and social enterprises to receive a share in over $5 million in grant funding from the four philanthropic foundations supported at Westpac Group (Westpac Foundation, St.George Foundation, BankSA Foundation and Bank of Melbourne Foundation) to create jobs, education and wellbeing opportunities for young people in 2024.  

 

Together we are committed to building better futures for all Australians.

 

Doing good is in our DNA.

 

Congratulations to all our 2024 grant recipients. To see the full list visit: https://www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/our-foundations/2024-grant-announcements/

 

Updated Oct 2024