Australia: Engaging Aboriginal Youth

Australia is like a savoury meal consisting of various ingredients and seasoned with mixed spices. It is a fairly young nation, yet it has been through so many changes that even some of the oldest European nations could be jealous. Australia is a melting pot of multiple cultures. Its biography is coloured by multiculturalist and multiracial bits and pieces which mirror themselves into Australia’s wild lifestyle. Because of it, the country is definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately, Australia’s history has seen its share of turmoil and disagreements. However, they have managed to overcome their differences. In the end, Australians have welcomed and accepted multiculturalism into their lives as the only possible way of moving forward.

It is a well know fact that the settlers had a tough time getting along with Australia’s Aboriginal people. Their history has been marked with too much suffering and too many fights for equality and recognition. Luckily, this relationship has been improved throughout the years. Nowadays, Aboriginal people are respected members of the community. They have their own sub-communities, government representatives and other necessary rights. However, one of the most significant moves was the acceptance of the Aboriginal youth. Thanks to the changes in law, they have their place in the community. They are free to get the right education, lead normal lives and be respected citizens of Australia. You should read through the following text to find out what other ways the Aboriginal youth group has been engaged into Australia today.

Aboriginal Youth Internship Program

Many people, ages between 19 – 29, have an opportunity to be a part of the yearly Aboriginal Youth Internship Program. The program is created by the British Columbia Public Service Agency. It was created with a simple goal of enabling the youngsters to build up various professional skills and learn how to be leaders. Additionally, they can learn about working in politics. By applying, they get a chance to learn and earn valuable experience. Later in life, they could certainly use this in their careers. Moreover, the participants get to improve the relationship between the Aboriginal youth and the local government.

The program opens once a year, and lasts for 12 months. It starts in September and ends in August the following year. The interns spend nine months with a government ministry, and three months with an Aboriginal organization. During these months, they can attend conferences, courses or some career coaching that is provided for them.

Youth Group  

This is another amazing program, created with Aboriginal youth group in mind. It is organized by Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Limited, and it is open to the people of the Dandenong and Southern region in Melbourne. The Youth Group has been in operation for the past nine years. The goal is to have a special place for the young, where they can meet and socialise. They can share their interests and hobbies and get informed about their culture, as well as learn about it. Furthermore, they can ask for help from the workers. There is a health and support centre where they can go to in times of need. The centre offers information on mental health, general health, bullying and harassment. Whatever the young need, they can get informed about it at the Youth Group.

Indigenous Employment Program

Finally, a program that is aiming to help Aboriginal people find employment. Indigenous Employment Program (IEPs) can help unemployed people get the necessary training they might need. Moreover, they can help with finding education programs for the Aboriginal youth. Additionally, they offer help with job interviews and job search. The program helps Aboriginal youth get in touch with non-Aboriginal people. This way, the road to success is made easier. Also, more opportunities are created. And, employers can get familiarised with the Aboriginal culture through training provided by the IEPs.

These are only some of the ways in which the Aboriginal youth can be engaged in community life in Australia. Fortunately, there are many more out there. It is an amazing thing that the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people are getting along. Thanks to the good relationship, both groups can move forward and have a bright and promising future.