The Project has already engaged hundreds of Indigenous children, most of them from remote towns in the Jawoyn region, east of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Whilst the overall outcome of improving the health of Indigenous Australians through music programs will take a long time to measure, the program has been extremely well received with consistent and maximum attendance.
Footprints funded the purchase of a variety of musical instruments and equipment for the Indigenous Music Project including:
- 6 acoustic 6-string guitars
- 2 electric guitars
- 1 bass guitar
- 4 electronic keyboards
- 3 drum kits
- Amplifier and 8 channel mixer
- Stands, cables and microphone
These purchases were an integral part of the overall musical education program coordinated by The Fred Hollows Foundation. Teacher and songwriter, Shellie Morris visited and worked with students at schools in the towns of Jilkminggan, Urupunga, Bulman, Wugularr, Barunga and Manyallaluk. Intensive songwriting workshops comprising 8-10 students each were held for 2 hours each day over a 1-2 weeks period. At the conclusion of the week a performance would be held for local community including elders and other key community leaders.
Students learnt to write songs in the style of rap, pop and hip-hop. A key element of this process was the creation of lyrics using both traditional language and English. Lyrics created by the students were of relevant messages. The young children wrote of light hearted thoughts such as bush animals and movement, with the senior students expressing more serious issues in their songs such as growing up, grief and relationships. Traditional Indigenous songs were incorporated.
In this fun and creative environment students enjoyed the experience of learning to compose lyrics and music with the end goal being to perform their original works. The project developed the childrens’ literacy skills through music. It provided inspiration, a heightened sense of identity and greater level of self-respect for those that participated. Over time, it is hoped that this will lead to better health outcomes for these indigenous students.
Will the project continue?
The Fred Hollows Foundation will continue this program for a 3 year term. Improved attendance at school has already been recorded. We look forward to reporting in the future on the longer term outcomes of this project.
(Report posted: 13 Feb, 2009)
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.
How was it this funded?
Thanks to hundreds of tiny donations from these online businesses and their customers.
- ***WorldNomads.com.au
- ***WorldNomads.co.nz
- World Nomads USA
- www.WorldNomads.com
- ***World Nomads UK
- Travel Insurance Direct AU
- ***WorldNomads.co.uk
The Fred Hollows Foundation is an international development organisation working towards eliminating avoidable blindness and improving Indigenous Australian health. We are inspired by Professor Fred Hollows, a humanitarian, eye surgeon and social activist. Established in 1992, The Foundation continues in Fred’s footsteps and now works in more than 25 countries around the world and here in Australia. Working with in-country partners, we perform surgeries, deliver local training, provide equipment, educate about eye health and advocate for change.