Schools across Western Australia will continue to create projects next year that promote and advance reconciliation in their local community through the Partnership, Acceptance, Learning and Sharing (PALS) program.
PALS provides $1000 grants to Western Australian schools for a wide range of projects that incorporate and increase the understanding of Aboriginal cultures, histories and communities.
This may include creating a language or dance program, attending a cooking lesson using traditional bush tucker or creating a book in the local Aboriginal language.
A Project Toolkit has been developed to assist educators to integrate reconciliation projects into the classroom through the meaningful teaching and learning of Aboriginal histories, cultures and communities, and provides resources to assist schools to plan and develop PALS projects.
The toolkit provides project ideas, examples of past projects and information and guidance on how to build relationships with their local Aboriginal community.
Last year PALS funded a total of 678 projects in 643 schools, engaging 100,000 students across the State. This meant 60 per cent of all schools in WA participated in the PALS program.
The next round will open January 20, 2021 to all Western Australian primary and secondary schools.
The PALS Project Toolkit is available on the DLGSC website: https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/partnership-acceptance-learning-sharing-(pals)
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
“Projects supported by the PALS program exemplifies the continued commitment WA schools have towards reconciliation.
“It is inspiring to see the meaningful projects being undertaken by WA schools which facilitate the learning of Aboriginal histories and cultures.
“By supporting projects that enhance education of Aboriginal peoples and cultures in WA classrooms, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of our shared histories and unified futures.”
