Aboriginal Focus Schools Program

The Aboriginal Focus Schools Program was developed as part of the Yarning On program specifically for use in Anangu and Aboriginal schools and schools that have high numbers of Aboriginal students. Although the program is an adaptation of the Focus Schools Program which was built upon the success of the share Project (2003-2005), the program has undergone extensive consultation to ensure cultural relevance and appropriateness. This program ensures Anangu and Aboriginal students have the same opportunity to access culturally appropriate comprehensive relationships and sexual health education  as students in other metropolitan and rural schools. The program aims to improve the relationships, sexual health, safety and wellbeing of young Aboriginal South Australians by supporting schools to develop a whole school approach to relationships and sexual health education.

Anangu Education Workers (AEWs), Aboriginal Community Education Officers (ACEOs), key community members and parents or caregivers are a vital part of the program which provides 10 lessons at Years 5 through to 10 using a ‘building block’ approach. Anangu and Aboriginal worker involvement in the delivery of the program is crucial to ensure cultural respect, appropriateness and learning. This partnership approach has benefits for students, community and teaching staff.

SHine SA received funding through the National Indigenous Partnerships (Indigenous Early Childhood Development and Close the Gap on Indigenous Sexual and Reproductive Health) to develop and deliver the Close the Gap – Aboriginal Sexual Health Program which aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health, wellbeing and safety of young Aboriginal South Australians. Commencing in January 2010, funding is until June 2013.

Objectives and Outcomes

Program Logic underpins the Yarning On program and outcomes include:

• principles of best practice in place in program delivery
• increased confidence of teachers, workers, ACEOs, and parents to talk with and teach young people about respectful relationships
• have child protection education that reinforces the right every child has to be safe
• deliver curriculum, resources and community programs that address the communities’ issues and aspirations
• increase the ability to find, understand and use information, and increase the access to services

Within the community:

• an increased level of knowledge and skills of the community
• an increased capacity to recognise and foster respectful relationships
• an increased use of contraception to assist in making choices on having children
• an increased rate in testing for STIs

Longer-term outcomes:

• To contribute to equity in health literacy and access to health services. This is based on the principle that all Aboriginal and Anangu children have access to comprehensive, age and culturally appropriate, respectful relationships and sexual health education programs in school, beginning in early Primary years and delivered by trusted and trained teachers.
• To contribute to a reduced rate of teenage pregnancy and a decreased prevalence in positive results for STIs.
• To contribute to a reduced incidence of sexual violence.

The Aspirational Goal for this initiative is Aboriginal people having sexual and reproductive health outcomes that are equal to the best.

SHine SA supports Anangu and Aboriginal Focus Schools in the following ways:

• support from a designated Regional Schools Coordinator for the life of the project in all aspects of implementation and management
• free professional development for AEWs, ACEOs, teachers and other members of the school community
• a relationships and sexual health education resource for Years 5-10 and supporting materials via the secure website
• a comprehensive curriculum for Years 5-10
• curriculum resource tub with all resources to deliver the curriculum
• support in parent information sessions
• additional support as negotiated with the school

Aboriginal Focus Schools in turn commit to:

• implementing the curriculum
• identifying school staff to participate within the school
• providing support and opportunities for all relevant AEWs, ACEOs, teaching staff, counsellors and other interested staff to attend up to 15 hours of professional development

Contact Yarning On Manager, Sue Arwen on (08) 8300 5343 or susan.arwen@health.sa.gov.au

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