Karnkanthi (pronounced ‘Garn-ganthi’) means ‘lifting up’ in Kaurna language.
Launched on the eve of Reconciliation Week, the new Karnkanthi Indigenous Education Program, the first of its kind in Australia, has been developed for high-achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 11 and 12/13.
The program runs alongside existing high school curriculums and provides students with academic development, cultural knowledge and perspectives as well as building resilience to overcome life’s challenges and succeed.
“The Karnkanthi Indigenous Education Program is about ensuring young Indigenous people receive the preparation they need to thrive during their final years of high school, and see a clear pathway into university,” says Professor Shane Hearn, Dean of Indigenous Research and Education Strategy at the University of Adelaide.
Students participating receive access to up to $26,000 in private tutoring, a $5,000 student development scholarship; individually tailored academic, personal and career development; a computer tablet; and financial support for travel and accommodation.
The program also works closely with families and communities of participants, to enhance their ability to keep students on track with their studies.
The launch was hosted on Friday 26th May in the Ingkarni Wardli Atrium which was tied in with the Reconciliation BBQ that was organised by Deb Turnbull and the GED committee.
The launch was a successful day with roughly 100 student, staff and community members attending the launch and reconciliation BBQ. The Interim Vice – Chancellor Mike Brooks spoke on the day along with a Welcome to Country performed by Aunty Rosemary Wanganeen. Following on, the five Karnkanthi student were presented with a gift from Wirltu Yarlu and The University of Adelaide for their fantastic performance in the program.
