Why is this project required:

Indigenous Australians have a life expectancy nearly 20 years less than other Australians. Indigenous children are dying at almost three times the rate of non-Indigenous children.

But the path to improving the health outcomes in remote communities is complex. The social determinants of health for remote Indigenous communities, are literacy, school attendance and nutrition.

It is the vital aspect of school attendance that this program addresses. Keeping children in school and providing programs that are educational, creative and stimulating is a proven way of reducing poor health out-comes for this group.

This project will cover:

The provision of musical instruments and equipment for the indigenous music program. These include Electric and bass guitars, Keyboards, Amplifiers, Drum kit, Microphones, 8 channel mixer, Speakers, stands, cables, strings etc

This is a part of the larger music and songwriting program, which also includes tuition from Indigenous singer/songwriter Shellie Morris. The entire project is planned to run over 3 years.

Project Outcomes:

To encourage community youth to re-engage in literacy and learning through music and song writing and return them into the school system, the plan is to:

1. Create opportunities for sharing stories and music development for community youth

2. Engage and encourage non school attendees back into the school system and learning

3. Provision of skills development

4. Engage young people in songwriting and music as a conduit to re-engage in literacy and recreational activity.

In addressing the issue of school attendance, The Fred Hollows Foundation knows that health outcomes are improved with raised levels of attendance and participation and that education equips young people with the skills needed to meet real-life challenges.

Project Background

Where trialed elsewhere, music programs have been highly effective in supporting attendance, literacy and numeracy in schools. The 2003/4 annual report of The Northern Territory Department of Education showed improved attendance figures and student retention for Indigenous students involved in school music programs

Community Involvement

The Fred Hollows Foundation is working with local Indigenous communities to address the problems that exist and provide support programs. With a system of consulting, liaising, talking and reporting we know that progress is being made. The Fred Hollows Foundation has worked collaboratively with the Katherine Group Schools to design this program.