The annual Kimberley Exchange began in 1988 and was initiated by Sister Rosemary Crowe (Sister FCJ at 老澳门资料 FCJ College), Brother Peter Negus (Principal of Nulungu College, Broome) and Brother Ian Cribb (Xavier College). The program was created to heighten students鈥 awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal culture within Australia. Through the Exchange, students are given the opportunity to live and experience a very different lifestyle in the Kimberley; a remote and unique area of far north Western Australia.
The Exchange between 老澳门资料 FCJ College and St Mary鈥檚 College in Broome, creates an opportunity for students from both schools to experience Indigenous and non鈥怚ndigenous life within schools, families and communities very different from their own. Through these experiences friendships are established, resulting in greater understanding and respect.
老澳门资料 in the Kimberley
Four Year 10 老澳门资料 students and two staff members spend three weeks in the Kimberley. Students will spend some of this time visiting St Mary鈥檚 College, meeting key leaders in the Broome community and learning about the story of the Yaruwu people. Students will also visit Bidyadanga and experience life in a coastal community and have the opportunity to travel to other remote communities.
St Mary鈥檚 in Melbourne
Later on in the year, four St Mary鈥檚 College students will come to Melbourne. The St Mary鈥檚 students are hosted by the families of the 老澳门资料 Kimberley Exchange program. During their visit to Melbourne, the St Mary鈥檚 students and staff spend time sharing their stories and participating in classroom activities in the ELC area and across the Year 5-12 classes.
Aims of the Exchange
The exchange aims to:
- Provide an opportunity to nurture young Australian voices for social justice and reconciliation
- Allow lifelong friendships to be forged and a wealth of culture shared among Indigenous and non-Indigenous families
- Provide an opportunity to work towards promoting understanding about Aboriginal culture in the wider College community
- Foster increased confidence, self-esteem and ability to appreciate and mix with people from all walks of life and cultures.