Our Haileybury Rendall School Stars were inspired by a visit from an Indigenous-led research team from Charles Darwin University recently.
The team is working in collaboration with Yolŋu women in North East Arnhem Land as part of the ‘Caring for Mum on Country’ participatory-action-research project based on birthing-on-country principles.
The team is led by Galiwinku Elder, Lawurppa Maypilama, and Professor Yvette Roe, a Nykinya Yuruwu women who was born and grew up in Darwin.
Lawurppa told the girls that she actually attended school on the current Haileybury Rendall School campus in the early 1970s.
Back then, the school was known as Kormilda College and it was a dedicated boarding school for Indigenous children from remote locations.
She spoke to our young women about the importance of being connected to culture and country, and of understanding the important place and responsibilities women have in culture.
Lawurppa also spoke about how vital it is to bring Yolŋu and Balanda (non-Indigneous) knowledge together to best support mothers and babies.
Professor Roe shared her own life story and how getting a good education transformed her life.
“You don’t need to be the smartest or the fastest – you just need a dream, commitment to achieving it, and an understanding that the path to your dream sometimes leads you to unexpected but interesting places,” she said.
The visit not only gave our young women an insight into an inspirational collaborative research project, but also reminded them that they, too, can achieve their dreams if they remain focused and committed.