The first full year of the Tjindu STRONG program has been a success, with hundreds of children in remote communities participating in the Tjindu Foundation’s early and middle-years education program this year.
Equipped with a new curriculum booklet developed in consultation with industry experts, the Tjindu STRONG team travelled over 7,200 kilometres to the APY Lands and Far West Coast throughout the year.
Two trips to Far West Coast schools at Oak Valley, Yalata and Tjuntjuntjara saw the Tjindu STRONG team deliver oral health lessons, fitness education and football skills clinics.
In the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Tjindu delivered education modules and worked regularly with the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC) to enhance the opportunities for the Foundation to participate in the community, including in the annual Ernabella Sports and Dance Carnival.
“We’re really happy with how this first year of the Tjindu STRONG program has gone,” says project officer Rigby Barnes.
“COVID delayed us being able to run this program in the APY Lands and Far West Coast, but it’s been great to work closely with our schools partners and education experts to get out into community and participate in classrooms and local events as well.”
The Tjindu STRONG program encourages students to develop and tap into their mental, physical, emotional and cultural strength through making smart choices in life supported by guided discussion. The purpose of this program is in the name: Strength, Trust, Respect, No Shame, Optimism and Gratitude. These are the values and structures that Tjindu STRONG is centered on.
