In a pivotal step towards enhanced educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the Yadha Muru Foundation, alongside the Australian Government’s City-Country Partnerships Program, has announced a collaborative partnership between Milingimbi School in the Northern Territory and Pymble Ladies’ College in Sydney.

This partnership, part of the City-Country Partnerships Program aiming to bridge the educational gap between remote schools with high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolments and high-quality metropolitan schools, represents a significant milestone in the Foundation’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and fostering cultural connection.

Milingimbi School is a P-12 school located on Milingimbi Island off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory with an enrolment of 290 students, 97% of whom are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Milingimbi school is bilingual school, teaching in both English and Yolŋu, and recently celebrated 50 years of bilingual education.  Milingimbi embeds a rich Yolŋu culture into the curriculum, reflecting the community of the island. Pymble Ladies’ College is a non-selective independent school for girls in Sydney, with over 2,350 students and strives to cultivate a personalised learning environment that empowers its students to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

At the core of this partnership lies a shared commitment to enriching educational experiences and fostering cultural understanding. Milingimbi School brings a deep understanding of the Yolngu language and culture, while Pymble Ladies’ College contributes its established dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through various programs.

The partnership will focus on initiatives aimed at strengthening literacy and numeracy education at Milingimbi School, sharing essential resources and expertise. Notably, Pymble Ladies’ College students will benefit from the cultural exchange and knowledge shared, gaining valuable learning opportunities.

Yadha Muru Foundation plays a pivotal role in fostering trust, understanding and respect between communities and schools, culminating in long-lasting partnerships like this.

“This partnership extends beyond short-term gains, aiming for lasting benefits for students, families and communities,” explains Yadha Muru Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sean Gordon. “It serves as a model for collaborative efforts between schools, driving valuable educational and cultural outcomes.”