The Victorian Government has funded the Department of Education and Training (DET) to bring Koorie communities, young people and schools together to listen, share and connect about self-determination for Koorie people in education.
From June-Aug 2022, a series of Community Campfire Conversations took place across VACCA regions to capture the voice of young people, carers, elders and staff.
The Campfire Conversations have given VACCA and our community the opportunity to contribute to a voice to bring about meaningful change in the education space. Particularly a voice to some of the most vulnerable children in the community, children in care. It has also provided us the opportunity to reflect on our own practice and look at different ways we can respond to the recommendations by the participants, and ensure we continue to work towards Aboriginal children receiving the best education experience, one which is inclusive, trauma informed and culturally safe.
As one Elder expressed: “If children feel safe, they will want to go to school – if you find going to school a negative experience then you feel unworthy, which leads to depression – why would you want to go to school if it makes you feel like this. All schools should be safe. All children should feel that they can achieve at school.”
Learn more about the Campfire Conversations in this online interactive book