Currently, young women in remote Australia face limited on-country employment opportunities. In tandem, non-profits and government organisations face difficulty in assessing the value of their remote programs. Indeed, in the report Mapping the Indigenous Program and Funding Maze, the Centre for Independent Studies examined 1082 programs and found that “less than 10% (88) of these 1082 programs had been evaluated … few used methods that actually provided evidence of the program’s effectiveness.” The report also states: “What evidence exists on the outcomes of Indigenous programs suggests many programs are poorly designed and implemented … and as a result there is substantial overlap and inefficiency”. Thus, from both an employment and an evaluation perspective, there is high need.
Karratha was chosen by these organisations as a remote area with high needs, enough service provision that evaluation was necessary (e.g., there would be client NGOs) and women wishing to remain on country.
Collaborating organisations to date have included ABC Rangers, Girls Academy and the Ngala Family Services, all of whom have a strong on-the-ground presence.
The project is a grassroots effort, led by Cherie Sibasado, General Manager of the ABC Foundation. Initial community consultations resulted in the following guidelines for AWRAE:
1. Open to all Aboriginal women 18yrs and over
2. Mix of jobseekers and other women (who working or studying)
3. Embedded mentoring and support
4. Culturally secure
5. Practical hands-on learning and alternative assessment methods
6. Cater to individual learning needs including low literacy and numeracy skills
7. Block training during school hours (9am-2pm) (please see attached business case and photos for further information).
The proposed support model to be used with the AWRAE Training Project will consist of a three-fold wraparound structure that provides participants with access to adequate mentoring and support for the duration of the program.
This model can be achieved by:
- Partnering with JobActive Providers for Workplace Mentors. Winun Ngari Employment Services, Nirrumbuk Employment Service, Nymba Buru Yawuru – Transition to Work and KRCI Parenting Next have agreed to partner with project.
- Ensuring the facilitator (Clear Horizon) embeds mentoring support
- Maintaining strong internal supports including a Field Officer responsible for recruitment and retention of women This program goes beyond a training model; once women have learnt evaluation skills they will work on contract evaluations.
The model should be self-sustaining and expanding within 6 years.
For more information visit: http://www.abcau.com.au