The Newman based team from the Y WA who are responsible for the Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! (PJY) program (previously Education, Engagement & Attainment Initiative), enjoyed their first on country trip over the holidays to Sandy Creek, just outside of Newman along Marble Bar Road. A group of 34 attended the outing, including 26 young people. This was made possible thanks to a brand-new Toyota 4WD commuter bus, generously donated by Kuuwa Rentals and Hancock Iron Ore.
Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! (PJY) program (previously Education, Engagement & Attainment Initiative), enjoyed their first on country trip over the holidays to Sandy Creek, just outside of Newman along Marble Bar Road. A group of 34 attended the outing, including 26 young people. This was made possible thanks to a brand-new Toyota 4WD commuter bus, generously donated by Kuuwa Rentals and Hancock Iron Ore.
The 4WD vehicle means getting out on country as part of the PJY program is easy and achievable. Prior to receiving the vehicles, the Y WA team were getting by with an older model 12-seater bus, but with the new vehicle school access is easier and hosted activities like the recent trip to Sandy Creek, can take place during the holidays
During the school term the bus is primarily used to ensure as many children get to school on time as possible, but it is also being used to assist families to get to medical appointments, access wellbeing services or anything at all that may be a barrier for school attendance.
Program Coordinator from the Y WA Sammi Ryder said, “Our priority is getting the children to school, so the new bus is really making a difference. Since the new bus is 4WD we can also work more closely with our families and take them out on country, down to the water hole to spend time together storytelling or out bush. We are also taking families to events such as the Martu Youth Festival which was just too far away and inaccessible with our old bus.”
The PJY school holiday program was sponsored and supported by the Y WA, Hancock Iron Ore, Royal Lifesaving Talent Pool Newman Squad, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service and Tackling Indigenous Smoking.
The PJY program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), with the Y WA delivering the program providing holistic support on a case-by-case basis to students and their families.
With a goal to improve engagement in education and increase school attendance rates, the program covers so much more as the team work closely with the broader community and families assessing the specific needs and complexities of the community and households to provide the best care and outcomes.
Committed to making a real difference and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the Newman region are provided with a quality education and support encompassing everything from providing transport, school supplies, stationery, uniforms, lunches, referral to other services, outreach programs, sporting programs, food, activities and more.