Students throughout Western Australia, from Albany to Exmouth and Fitzroy Crossing, are experiencing the positive impact of $796,000 in grants provided by the Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program. This initiative has successfully supported 288 applicants, enabling a diverse range of activities such as storytelling, language instruction, theatre, dance, music, painting, and bush tucker gardening. Empowering Students Across Western Australia: PALS Program Grants Foster Cultural Understanding
Accessible to all primary and secondary schools, as well as kindergartens, the PALS program aims to cultivate partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals, founded on trust, respect, and understanding. By promoting initiatives that enhance the teaching and understanding of Aboriginal cultures, achievements, and historical events within educational environments, PALS fosters a deeper comprehension of the diverse experiences within the Aboriginal community.
Promoting Diversity and Respect
PALS operates on the principle of accepting and respecting diversity while valuing Aboriginal viewpoints. The program encourages learning about one another through the exploration of Aboriginal histories, languages, and cultures, promoting a shared journey towards healing and reconciliation. The funding categories cover arts, community engagement, connections to country and culture, the promotion of inclusive environments, as well as history and language.
WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Dr. Tony Buti, encouraged all schools to apply for funding to support projects that foster partnership, acceptance, learning, and sharing of Aboriginal cultures. “It was pleasing to see such a strong response from schools throughout Western Australia, and I’m impressed with the huge range of projects the Cook government has been able to support through these grants,” he said.
“Participating in these activities promotes the journey towards reconciliation for all involved and also provides an important opportunity for Aboriginal students to see their cultures being respected, shared, and celebrated.”
Impactful Initiatives Across WA
The successful projects funded by PALS are making a significant difference in schools across the state. From storytelling sessions that preserve and share ancient traditions to language instruction that revitalizes and promotes Aboriginal languages, the funded activities are diverse and impactful. Theatre, dance, and music projects are allowing students to express themselves creatively while learning about Aboriginal culture. Meanwhile, painting and bush tucker gardening initiatives are connecting students to the land and its traditional uses.
Looking Forward
The latest funding round is currently open for applications, providing further opportunities for schools to engage in this transformative program. Schools interested in applying can find details regarding the application process and information about previous grant recipients online. By continuing to support these vital initiatives, the PALS program is playing a crucial role in fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.
For more information on how to apply and to see the full list of previous grant recipients, visit the PALS program website. Join us in this shared journey towards reconciliation and cultural enrichment, ensuring that all students can benefit from a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal heritage.
The National Indigenous Cultural Centre (NICC) is an Indigenous home.
We provide Indigenous products, music, art and news.
If you want Indigenous gifts and merchandise, bush tucker food at your next event or Indigenous entertainment at your next party, expo or conference, feel free to contact us!
Visit our page: https://nicc.org.au/
Tony Clemenger.
Chief Executive Officer.
Tel: 0419431649.
Level 1 397 Chapel Street South Yarra 3141.
