Aboriginal kids embracing their education from elite private schools | 60 Minutes Australia

Published 2023-05-31
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This is unashamedly one of those good news stories. No one can deny the horrors facing Aboriginal kids in bush towns all over the country. But for some, just a few, there's a chance to escape. And the opportunity is coming from an unexpected source. A number of our top private schools are opening their doors, thanks to scholarships for disadvantaged kids. Like many great ideas, it started out small. But it's been so successful, millions of dollars are being raised to extend the scheme. So now, even more of our poorest children can look forward to an education that was only money could buy.

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All Comments (21)
  • @stormb3948
    It’s been 14 years since this was aired, I was curious to see where they are today so I did some research. Ricky is now a spokesperson for the indigenous people, teaches indigenous language to school children, runs a youth group and works on numerous different projects to bridge the gap. He is also the chairperson for the Aboriginal Reference Group. In 2020, Ricky won an award for volunteer of the year. I wasn’t able to find anything on the other 2 girls. Mimi Becker, the young white girl who was talking about trips to Paris, she’s now a reporter for channel 9. I guess prestigious schools are worth the investment for your child if one can afford it.
  • @bkm2797
    No child should be left behind, and I sincerely hope this program continues to grow.
  • @joshbiggs3162
    REMEMBER THAT THESE KIDS ARE THE LUCKY ONES! The vast majority of Indigenous people are not given the opportunities these kids are and they are not able to rise above poverty in a way society says you should. There are real, systemic and racist issues that exist in Australia that effect Thousands of Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander people and make it very difficult for them to live happy and fulfilling lives. The fact that a few kids have been able to 'break the cycle' doesn't change that. I understand we all love a good feel good story and THAT'S OKAY. But don't let a handful of feel good stories blind you to the bigger injustice. Let's build a society where No Aboriginal or Torrens Strait Islander person has to live in poverty, regardless of whether or not they win a scholarship to and elite private school.
  • @mlife952
    So Inspiring! May many more kids receive scholarships.
  • @jourdainhiini6548
    This story brought me to tears. Those kids have such a blessing in their Nan. Giving our children the best education at home and at school is what every child deserves. Especially our indigenous community. I was blessed enough to have a private education and unfortunately like everything, you get what you pay for. It's is a sad fact that education is included in this. To see indigenous children having access to the most expensive schools Australia has to offer is heart warming. I can only hope and pray that the 3 we saw are just the start of MANY more. Im sure if most Aussies knew about this program, you would have no trouble raising the donations needed. God bless them.
  • @grammagreat
    I wish these young aboriginal kids the best. They are paving the way!
  • @anneloving8405
    About time we get more positive stories about indigenous people. A good Education is the helping hand they need. Yes
  • @ehrgeiz5649
    Beautiful to see Aboriginal kids receiving the same opportunity as others.
  • @soulshadoww55
    I think as more children go thru these programs and become high wage earners they’ll be able to contribute to the scholarship fund. They can then add even more young aboriginal children to those schools. I wish they could find more ways to provide jobs for the people left behind in the community. Like produce gardens, fish farming. Maybe woodworking, painting, crafts, tourist.
  • @Allison8k
    Millions raised for a handful of "lucky kids." Imagine what that same amount of money could do in those communities. Maybe they wouldn't be left with "nothing good," as the reporter says. How ignorant!
  • @cheryl5994
    WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR THESE KIDS, I WISH THEM ALL THE BEST ON THEIR JOURNEYS.
  • @np700
    They're first peoples. They should be the most wealthy because they owned all the land first. They've been through so much unnecessary trauma as people it's so sad. The grandma was lovely and so driven for her grandchildren. Both children are so clever and good-looking. Wish them all the best in life in their dreams and hope they empower the next generation of aboriginal kids.
  • @Trini2DeBone
    Some vocational trade programs in socially depressed areas can help. Programs such as plumbing, electricals, joinery, welding can make a significant difference. Not all children are suited to academics.
  • @Allannah_Of_Rome
    All disadvantaged kids deserve scholarships no matter their race!!
  • @kerryinnes9456
    Wow, these beautiful kids are just 🌟 good on them🤣 We have to give them so much love, from growing up and seeing where they have come from. To have the maturity, too step out side their comfort zones and look outside the box. My day has been so much better by watching this story 💘💝💖💋 All my love and best wishes to these young adults 💕
  • @blakebarberi4828
    I find it quite heartbreaking that in this country, Mexico, or Native Americans and Blacks in the U.S. There is always a strong addiction to alcohol. Tobacco and liquor stores on every corner. I find that to be so hurtful. How can you contract jobs out to other people.Then not give the local men a chance to work and be a good example to their kids. No wonder they feel hopeless. We say we a God fearing nation but in the bible God said the poor will be with us Always. Work the fields take what you nee. But leave behind crops for the less fortunate. Their not lazy they are just mentally and emotionally crushed.The lack of compassion we have towards people brings me much sorrow.😢😢😢😢
  • I habe a friend who libes in Australia and told me the Aborigines todate are yreated very badly in Australianand over time they are just about 300k -Thatbif the settlerd had theirnway they have completely wioed them out.That its a very sad affair. My heart goes out for all the Aborigines in Australia .