Aboriginal culture and understanding in WA classrooms

  • Applications for funding now open for reconciliation-focused school projects
  • Outstanding schools will be recognised at the PALS Awards in November 
  • Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt today announced that applications for funding for the 2019 PALS Program are open.

    The Partnership, Acceptance, Learning and Sharing (PALS) Program encourages WA schools to develop projects that promote reconciliation in their local school and community. Funding is available to all Western Australian primary and secondary schools.

    All primary and secondary schools are eligible to take part in the program, and can receive up to $1,000 worth of funding for their individual project.

    PALS projects focus on reconciliation and must align with one or more of the six categories: Arts; Community Relationships; Connecting to Country and Culture: Inclusive Environments; History or Language.

    620 schools across Western Australia participated in the PALS Program in 2018.

    Contact the PALS Officer on (08) 9427 3470 or at [email protected] to apply or for further assistance.

    As noted by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:

    “PALS is a unique program that inspires students and teachers to create reconciliation projects tailored to their own school. It also encourages schools to form strong relationships with their local Aboriginal community and to learn more about our important culture and history.

    “This program allows non-Aboriginal students to become immersed in cultural activities while creating the opportunity for Aboriginal students to take leadership roles in their school to share their heritage.

    “The continuing success of PALS demonstrates the commitment of students, schools, parents and Aboriginal community members to embrace reconciliation and develop their understanding of Aboriginal culture and history.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.