The ICaN Murru Youth Program is a youth mentoring leadership program designed for boys in Dubbo South Public School. The program’s goal is to provide participants with exposure to local Aboriginal role models and mentors, while simultaneously teaching them about Aboriginal culture, leadership skills, life skills, and literacy skills.
One of the most impressive aspects of the program is the emphasis on learning about native plants and their traditional uses. The boys in the program have had the opportunity to work at Pathways Together’s ICaN Nursery and learn about bush tucker and natural remedies. They have also been planting native species like bush tomatoes and lemon scented gums within the school’s local area.
Getting out onto Country is an integral part of the program. The participants have had many opportunities to learn about their history, traditions, and cultural stories from local Elders like Uncle Ralph Naden. Spending time with community members who have a wealth of knowledge gives the boys a chance to learn in a way that resonates with them. The bush has been the classroom for our First Nations people for over 60,000 years, so what better way to learn than through story-telling on Country?
The ICaN Murru Youth Program provides a safe space for boys who may be at risk for disengagement from school or who are disengaged. The program offers life skills and leadership training that will assist the participants in having happy, healthy lives and engage respectfully with their communities. Boys in the program are encouraged to develop their self-confidence, leadership skills, and connection to their local Aboriginal community.
It is truly an honor to witness the impressive strides made by the participants of the ICaN Murru Youth Program. The program is making a real difference in the lives of young boys in Dubbo South Public School. The support of local Elders and Aboriginal leaders is crucial for providing the participants with connections and guidance to navigate the challenges of adolescence. There is no doubt the ICaN Murru Youth Program has had a tremendously positive impact on the boys who have participated, and we look forward to hearing more about the program’s future successes.
