07 July 2022
Sixteen students from Bunbury travelled across Western Australia to take part in a life-changing on-country experience.
Manea Senior College and The Polly Farmer Follow the Dream program students spent a week at Yandeyarra Remote Community School to learn about the local Aboriginal history and culture and experience living and learning in a remote community.
Manea Senior College and Yandeyarra Remote Community School students.
The inaugural ‘Out On Country’ expedition was developed by Manea Senior College teacher David Crawford to give students a unique learning experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
“It came about from a need to give students more of a cultural expedition-style experience that they can't get from the classroom, while also completing a project for the host community we go to,” said Mr Crawford.
Manea Senior College students embarked on a 1716 km trip to Yandeyarra Remote Community School where they spent a week learning from the local community.
While in the Pilbara, the students rebuilt the community organic garden, ran activities for the Yandeyarra Remote Community School students, and participated in the local community’s NAIDOC week celebrations.
Manea Senior College students rebuilding the community garden.
Speaking to the ABC Pilbara, Year 12 Manea Senior High School student Tia Beaumont said it was her first time visiting a remote area.
"I've learnt a lot about what it's like living out here. The biggest stand-out moment for me was walking with the students down to Rock Hole,” Tia said.
Mr Crawford said taking students out on-country gave them a practical, hands-on experience and a chance to immerse themselves into the remote community.