Media Release
Back to school help for Irrkerlantye students and families
Monday 28 November 2005
Plans are progressing well in assisting students and families from the Irrkerlantye Learning Centre in making the transition to Alice Springs schools.
Mr Mike Bowden has accepted an appointment as Project Officer to work with children, families and the community in determining the best options for these students. He will be supported in this work by a team of officers from the Department of Employment, Education and Training.
Mr Bowden knows many of the families well as he was closely involved with the Detour Program, predecessor to the Irrkerlantye Learning Centre. The Detour Program was established to engage Indigenous secondary students who had not been attending school, and provided a transitional “detour” back to mainstream schooling.
He begins work in Alice Springs today and his appointment is expected to be welcomed by students and their families. When Executive Director DEET Central Australia, Ms Rita Henry, notified the Manager of Ngkarte Mikwekhene Incorporated (NMI) , Ms Debra Maidment last Friday of the new appointment, Ms Debra Maidment welcomed it as “an excellent decision”.
A key part of Mr Bowden’s approach will be to meet every attending student and their family members to discuss their future options and to facilitate the students’ enrolment in schools.
Irrkerlantye Learning Centre staff members have not been neglected and several meetings with them have taken place to establish their preferences for future employment. Every effort will be made to place them in positions of their choice.