Ngaarr Dhuwi (Strong Spirit) Girls Academy

Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy Program is a holistic program that supports our young Aboriginal women through their 7-12 educational journey. Our mentor’s role is to support female Aboriginal students through culture, wellbeing and education to increase self-determination and engagement to complete school.

Ngaarr Dhuwi Mentors will be based in select schools at a 2 mentor to 44-55 female Aboriginal Student Ratio, full time 5 days per week. Ngaarr Dhuwi have their own cultural academy spaces at each school location to facilitate the program reflecting the needs of each female cohort. The Ngaarr Dhuwi academy rooms are a meeting place for our young women to feel safe and connected. 

Program overview

Mentors work collaboratively with school executive, Aboriginal Education Officers, community, students, and parents to establish localised programs that cater for the needs of their female student cohort with the support of the Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy Program Manager. 

Support services may look like: 

  • Cultural engagement and connection to Country learning 

  • Transport to and from school – Ngaarr Dhuwi minibus 

  • Community yarns 

  • Post-school pathway support 

  • Targeted careers days 

  • Breakfast Club 

  • before/after school activities 

  • in class support 

  • Cultural Camps 

  • Homework sessions 

  • Participation in community events 

  • Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy cross-school engagement 

NSW AECG Inc is establishing 6 Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academies across the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region in 6 schools throughout 2023: 

  • Glendale Technology High School 

  • Swansea High School 

  • Newcastle High School 

  • West Wallsend High School 

  • Callaghan College, Wallsend Campus 

  • Callaghan College, Waratah Campus