The My Future Matters program hosted over 200 Indigenous students in years 7 through to 10 as a part of its inaugural On-Campus Experience. These days brought together 16 schools across the Illawarra region to participate in taster sessions and cultural activities run by academics, community members and Elders.
Over two days students were able to engage in activities to give them a ‘taste’ of what different fields of study could offer. Technical Officer Travis Naylor and the Science Space team hosted a ‘Fire and Ice Show’ for the students. The session involved exploring the properties of liquid nitrogen and fire, all whilst putting on an engaging show for everyone to observe and participate in.
Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) Alumni Connor McNamara also hosted a music workshop in which the students created music using a keyboard and touch pad. Connor shared his wisdom in digital music creation saying “by giving the kids a bit of a demo” that “there’s no limit to what you can do with art or music”.
At the end of the days, students joined in on cultural activities including weaving, bark painting, dancing, and a showcase of traditional cultural fire practices. We also had the pleasure of Aunty Joyce making damper with the students - what a treat! One student said: “For kids that haven’t gone to uni yet, I definitely think they should go and check it out and see what they might like to do”.
The My Future Matters program successfully engaged with 800+ Indigenous high school students across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and far South Coast. WIC is excited to increase engagement with schools moving forward in 2023, building the aspirations of more Indigenous students and showing them the incredible options available for their futures at UOW.