February 6, 2013
by Marcus Priaulx
Indigenous people teaching indigenous culture and history to indigenous kids … makes sense, doesn’t it? No wonder the initiative has taken off at Cherbourg State School.
The program is being led by Cherbourg residents Frank Malone and Martina Jacobs who have been recognised for teaching Aboriginal culture and history to their Indigenous students.
The Cherbourg residents went to primary and high school together from day one and now teach in the town’s school.
They were chosen by principal Peter Sansby to lead a new initiative to have his all-indigenous student population learn more about their heritage and traditions.
The children were taught about the impact of government policies on Cherbourg people, cultural dancing, Dreamtime stories and family values.
Uncle Frank and Aunty Martina also formed a strong partnership with Cherbourg’s Ration Shed Museum which chronicles the community’s past with a timeline and pictures.
“These bring to life, in the eyes of the children, what we’re teaching,” Uncle Frank said.
“It gives them an understanding of how things have changed each decade to today,” Aunty Martina added.
The duo has now been recognised with a Stronger Smarter Institute certificate for their work to engage the community with their cultural lessons.
They have also provided leadership and strengthened the children’s self –identity, pride and understanding of their culture and past.
Aunty Martina and Uncle Frank said their lessons instilled pride within the children about their culture and history.
“We have a lot to be proud of and they should understand that,” Aunty Martina said.
“The children will then be able to pass that onto their children with their knowledge and understanding,” Uncle Frank added.
Mr Sansby said the pair had done a terrific job and the initiative stemmed from community consultation.
“The elders felt it would be difficult for the children to move forward unless they truly understood the trials the older people had to overcome and the tribulations they had to provide a better future,” he said.
“We’re building the children’s pride in their heritage and that can only make them prouder and happier.”
