West Australian education engagement program, Shooting Stars, is set to go national as it launches in South Australia thanks to the support of the SA Department for Education.
A testament to the Program’s success domestically, the SA State Government has partnered with Shooting Stars to empower Aboriginal girls and women in regional South Australia.
The program will target girls in year 3 to 10, initially in Whyalla Stuart R-7 School, Nicolson Avenue Primary School, and Hincks Avenue Primary School and then progress to Whyalla Secondary College in 2023 and remaining primary schools in 2024.
With each program being tailored to its community, Shooting Stars has been working alongside the local Barngarla Aboriginal Nation to ensure the program is most effective to overcome barriers to school attendance for the Whyalla region.
Shooting Stars Executive Officer Fran Haintz is delighted to have the opportunity to expand the impact of the Shooting Stars program.
“It is with great honour that I share Shooting Stars is expanding into South Australia,” said Haintz.
“Community collaboration and engagement is at the core of the program’s success and I’m excited for Shooting Stars to affect genuine change in the lives of over 150 Aboriginal girls and women in Whyalla.”
Minister for Education John Gardner said the program will boost confidence, strengthen positive attitudes and help Aboriginal girls shoot for the stars.
“Engaging with successful programs like Shooting Stars will empower our young Aboriginal students to achieve great things in their educational journey,” said Minister Gardner.
“I look forward to seeing it operate with a South Australian lens, bringing together young Aboriginal women and girls in Whyalla to inspire and encourage each other to be their very best.”
