In late August, ALPAs East Arnhem, work experience program saw 26 Students from the communities of Ramingining, Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak & Galiwin’ku get the chance to complete a week of work experience in Darwin. 

This was our 2^nd year in hosting this program, having previously held the program in 2021 with 6 Students from Ramingining. the program relies heavily on many host businesses agreeing to host students, we would like to thank Karen Sheldon, NAAJA, Independent Grocers (MetCash)  Northern Land Council(NLC),1st Nations Broadcasting, ARDS, Larrakia Nation, and Crocasorus park.

The program hopes to demonstrate to the students that the skills they are developing in their schooling have real-world outcomes. We were overwhelmed by the excitement and enthusiasm of the student’s eagerness to get to their placements at 8 am! Graham Durrunga (Ramingining School) told us during his placement at NLC, “it's really interesting to see that the aged care program is similar to ours in Ramingining, I have enjoyed swapping stories with the old people here and think I could do this job in Ramo when I finish my school”

Matthaeus was one of 4 students that ARDS hosted, he said, it's been really fun to be on Yolŋu Radio during the day, I had friends and family call me telling me that they were listening to me. ARDS Language and Resource manager Emma Murphy said, seeing the students grow in confidence is really inspiring, it's great to see that we have some very strong cultural business leaders from the Arnhem region for decades to come)

We are hopeful to continue the program in 2023