'Kids can make a difference': Appeal for better Aboriginal education
A letter handwritten in red texta by a passionate nine-year-old could lead to real change in Canberra schools.
The two-page letter was sent to Education Minister Yvette Berry last month suggesting a stronger focus on Aboriginal language and culture within the ACT's education system.
"I don't mean to barge in on you or anything," the letter started, introducing the writer as a nine-year-old (turning 10) who believed refugees should come freely to Australia.
"What I want to talk about is how we should learn more Aboriginal language and culture at school.
"The Europeans owe a huge debt to the Aboriginals one so huge there's no way to be able to do it. That's why we must acknowledge them threw every way we can and learning is a way.
"I know you might throw this note in the bin and not give it a second though but I'm beging you please listen."
The letter ended: "PS rember kids can make a diffrence".
Ms Berry did not throw the letter in the bin, instead tasking the Education Directorate to work with Canberra's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to figure out how to bring first languages into ACT schools.
The directive was made alongside the implentation of a new policy of "cultural integrity", in which Canberra public schools are expected to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in teaching, learning and the physical school environment.
The policy is expected to foster an environment of high expectations for Indigenous students.
"I love getting letters like this one," Ms Berry said.
"It is really important that young people have a say in the decisions that affect them.
"This student’s deep sense of care and personal responsibility for finding practical opportunities for reconciliation is something I think we can all learn from."
The young letter writer and her family has chosen to stay anonymous, and The Canberra Times was alerted to her correspondence with Ms Berry by an impressed Education Directorate.