Indigenous Education Ambassadors share their tips on inspiring young people

Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett, today welcomed the national Indigenous Education Ambassadors to Canberra for a workshop to share their skills and experience in promoting the value of education.

Mr Garrett said the recent induction of 27 new participants into the program has boosted the total number to 41, giving more young people across Australia the opportunity to meet the Ambassadors and be inspired by their successes.

“Ambassadors have worked tirelessly over the past 10 years to promote the importance of education to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Garrett said.

“Today’s workshop is a great opportunity for Ambassadors to come together, share their experiences and stories, and meet the new recruits.

“This important program involves successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people visiting schools, TAFE colleges, universities and community organisations all over Australia to highlight the value of education to young Indigenous people.

“The Gillard Government understands that a quality education is the best way to help young Indigenous people secure a brighter future, helping them move on to higher education, start their own businesses or pursue a career.

“Our Ambassadors meet with young people around the country to share their personal experiences and explain how they overcame obstacles to their own successes – helping to motivate a new generation of potential future community leaders.”

The Indigenous Ambassadors Program was boosted last year with the recruitment of the new participants and by extending the visits beyond schools and into other education and training facilities.

Mr Garrett said the Ambassadors enjoy strong support from schools, parents, teachers and communities across Australia.

“They are a fantastic example to our young people and I was pleased to have the opportunity today to meet most of the Ambassadors and congratulate them on their involvement in such a worthwhile scheme,” he said.

For more information visit http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ambassadors