Indigenous kids get a taste of university life at ANU

Indigenous High School students from across Australia have had a taste of university life at The Australian National University (ANU).

More than 40 Indigenous year 9 to 11 students from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Queensland took part in three day event at ANU.

The event was part of the ANU Indigenous Youth Camp Yalbalinga, which in the Wiradjuri language means to learn.

Camp coordinator, Nerilee Flint said the program was aimed at getting kids who wouldn’t normally consider university study to start thinking about it.

“They realise that university is actually fun, it’s not just school. What they realise here is that there a social life to it. You pick your passion and that’s what you study.”

Mulwaree High School Ryan Mullen said meeting ANU students changed his attitude towards studying at university.

“It makes it seem a lot more attainable, because it’s real people with real stories and different backgrounds,” he said.

“Before I came here university seemed like this big unattainable thing, but not so much anymore.”

Part of the camp involved students being involved in interactive health sessions.

They were rotated through a series of health stations covering anatomy, hygiene, plastering and a scenario that showcases the skills of different health professionals.

The health sessions have been coordinated by the ANU Rural Medical Society (ARMS).

ARMS Indigenous Officer and first year medical student Amanda Steele said increasing the number of Indigenous students undertaking university health degrees was crucial to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes.

“It’s a chance to have fun but also get the students thinking about health careers,” she said.