Nature Foundation is proud to announce that longer-term funding has been secured to maintain and expand our successful Kids on Country Junior Ranger Program.
The funding, from the National Indigenous Australia Agency, will allow us to continue to provide this program which engages young Aboriginal people in practical, on-Country activities, helping inspire them to pursue future study or careers in conservation and land management.
The Program combines cultural mentorship from Aboriginal leaders, innovative e-Learning tools and practical field studies to:
- Strengthen cultural learning, health well-being
- Support ongoing engagement with education
- Inspire future careers in conservation and land management and support Aboriginal employment
- Develop the skills, abilities and strengths of future leaders in the conservation space
Katie Perry, Youth Programs Coordinator with Nature Foundation, has been building a relationship with NIAA since 2019 and with the support of Caroline Nefiodovas, Nature Solutions Development Manager, has grown the Program from a two-camp pilot into a highly sought after innovative Aboriginal youth engagement program, reconnecting young people to nature and Country.
Since 2016, 333 young people have completed the newly SACE accredited Program and this funding will be used to continue to grow the design, delivery and staffing of the Program, allowing more schools from our waitlist to participate.
Existing relationships with the Adnyamathanha – Kuyani people and the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation will be strengthened and this amazing opportunity will not only expand and grow the Kids on Country program, but also continue to strengthen Nature Foundation’s positive reputation within the Aboriginal language groups across South Australia.
We would like to thank all the donors who have contributed to the success of the Kids on Country program to date, and we will continue to work with you on new innovative ideas to strengthen our engagement with Aboriginal people on all 7 nature reserves.