So to expect them to achieve the same outcomes under the same educational system is fairly unrealistic. 

But thanks to various programs in and outside of schools, local kids are being granted greater incentive to see out their schooling years. 

The  ‘Marama Li Yarranduul’ program encourages high school students to make the most of their education. 

With funding from Prime Minister and Cabinet, Joblink Plus has been facilitating a ‘Staying at School’ community engagement program in conjunction with Peel High School, based at The Youthie. 

The program runs on Wednesdays during school terms and specifically provides Aboriginal young people with incentives to stay at school, develop cultural confidence and feel good about themselves and their potential.

The students have explored personal and shared identity by researching their family connections to each other, community and country over the past term. 

On Wednesday, organisers held an event to highlight and recognise the hard work and commitment of the students throughout the term as they researched their family history. 

Each student presented personalised works that showed their personal and family identity.

And according to Gomeroi man Marc Sutherland, who has been mentoring Peel High students during this new program, everything starts with family.

It’s about knowing they can create their own worth and choose their own path.

“To be able to see young people realise that they can create their own worth is special,” Mr Sutherland told The Leader.

“To see a young person say, I have an opportunity here, there are a lot of obstacles in front of me, but if I can start to identify them I can start to progress through that.”

The year-long program also aims to get students’ attendance marks up and reminds them that they are worthy of an education.

It teaches them to have a go at school and “to find more success in an educational setting”.

Anything that is going to encourage young people to make the most of their education should be applauded. 

It’s important that we do all we can to help our young people set themselves up for the future. This is a step in the right direction.