Wednesday, 7 December 2011

Indigenous educators have stressed the critical nature of investing in young people to enable them to take advantage of an abundant employment opportunities available in Western Australia.

Speaking at the Indigenous Business, Corporations and Entrepreneurship Conference 2011 at The University of Western Australia yesterday, Neil Jarvis, CEO of the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation, said Australia's challenge was to produce enough suitably educated Indigenous young people to meet the high level of industry demand.

"It is definitely not a demand side issue, but rather a supply side issue," he said.  He gave examples of mining companies who were committed to a high level of Indigenous employment but could not find enough suitable young applicants to fill roles.

Mr Jarvis said mathematical prowess, rather than literacy, was currently an important and challenging issue.  The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation had several leading edge initiatives related to maths and science education.

Yesterday's forum was the inaugural annual conference hosted by UWA's Centre for Social Impact, within the Business School.

Delegates heard from Josie Janz, Deadly Sista Girlz Program Manager and a David Wirrpanda Foundation role model, about her work in encouraging Indigenous girls to get an education and make healthy life choices.

Ms Janz, who grew up in Derby, said yarning, story-telling and humour were key ingredients in empowering girls to take ownership and responsibility for their lives.  She works in the areas of self esteem, healthy relationships, sexual health and drugs and alcohol.

The David Wirrpanda Foundation aims to improve the life outcomes of Aboriginal children by promoting strong role models and healthy lifestyles.

Media references

Sonia Nolan , Community Engagement and  (+61 8)  6488 8562  /  (+61 4) 01 034 103
Corporate Affairs Manager, Centre for Social Impact
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783

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