COODANUP College is aiming for a brighter tomorrow for their students, taking steps to inspire them to pursue their dreams.
With the help of AIME mentoring program, Aboriginal students in year nine to 12 take part in four to five training sessions a year.
AIME is a high expectation educational program which aims to support Indigenous students through high school and into higher learning opportunities or employment, by giving them skills, opportunities, belief and confidence.
Each of Western Australia’s universities has an AIME program and has their own range of schools they connect with.
Murdoch University’s AIME program connects with the 18 Coodanup College students from a Rockingham location.
“The good thing about AIME is that once the students have graduated, we still keep in contact,” AIME program manager at Murdoch University Kenzie Dann said.
“We promote there is no shame and Indigenous equals success, which is a powerful message which they may not have heard before.
“It’s not about getting the kids to go to university; there are different roads to success and university may or may not be for everyone.”
Student Brayden Ninyett said it didn’t take him long to come out of his shell and follow his dreams, once joining the AIME program.
“They inspire you and help you get ready to follow what you want to do,” he said.
“I really want to have my own pet store.
“I’ve already got my certificate I and II so I’m already half way there.
“I could honestly say AIME is like family to me.”
