Merici College students had the privilege of learning first-hand about the lives of remote Indigenous peoples in the September 2017 holiday break when they volunteered at a community on the Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia.

The group was the first-ever to experience the Indigenous Immersion Program offered by the College, which creates opportunities for students to engage in real situations, at the same time addressing community needs.

In partnership with Catholic Mission, the group of six students and two teachers assisted at a school holiday camp run by Save the Children in the remote community of Lombadina/Djarindjin.

Year 11 and 12 students led activities teaching the children how to knit, make loom bands and origami, play games, and sports. They gained valuable insights into the ways and life of the Bardi Jawi people, and the children and others members of the local communities of Djarindjin, One Arm Point and Beagle Bay shared their skills, such as oyster-collection.

The students were honoured to interact with Elders and members of the communities, learn the basics of their language, and explore sacred country. 

Catholic Mission views the program as: ‘A rare and remarkable opportunity to really be with our Indigenous brothers and sisters and experience life, family, connectedness, and their spirituality in their communities’.

“The Immersion aimed to foster respect for the people, history and cultures of the remote Indigenous community, and recognise God’s presence in their lives and culture,” explained Amy Connellan, Head of Mission and Community at Merici.

“We also wanted our students to be challenged personally by the stories, experiences and relationships they encountered.”

The two-week trip was experienced by students Lauren Hawkins, Eva Knight, Hannah Mason, Alex Moylan, Julia Page, Genevieve Sandeman. Teachers Mr Chifley and Ms Connellan accompanied them.