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Fraser Foundation supports Cherbourg’s Aboriginal community via special ECEC partnership
Freya Lucas
Oct 20, 2023
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The Fraser Foundation is working closely with Aunti Jacqui, director of the Gundoo Early Learning Centre and principal of the Cherbourg State School to grow early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals in the Cherbourg community through a unique partnership.
Cherbourg is an Aboriginal community town 170 km north-west of Brisbane, on the Barambah Creek. It is located in Wakka Wakka tribal boundaries, near the border of Gubbi Gubbi territory.
As well as supporting six Aboriginal educators achieve their dreams of passing along their history, experiences, and culture to younger generations and become qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs), the Fraser Foundation is funding training, coaching and support for the educators at Gundoo Early Learning Centre monthly with Michelle Reber from horizon2 Limited (RTO).
“I was introduced to Auntie Jacqui through Tania Porter from the Department of Education through our involvement in the Queensland department workforce strategy development meetings,” Fraser Foundation founder Jae Fraser said.
“It was an instant connection, and as soon as I started talking with Auntie Jacqui it was evident that our passion and commitment to ECEC and to educators was aligned,” he continued.
“I couldn’t wait to get out to Cherbourg to meet her team, children and learn more about this unique community.”
Through the partnership, the Foundation hopes to build the knowledge of the ECT participants, growing their understanding of child development, pedagogy, and best practices in teaching. With mentoring and support, the Foundation is providing the ECEC community in Cherbourg with the tools to create more engaging and developmentally appropriate learning environments for children. “Supporting these very special educators in obtaining their qualifications is an investment in the quality of education, the safety and well-being of children, compliance with regulations, career advancement, professional development, talent attraction and retention, building a knowledgeable workforce, earning trust, and ultimately achieving excellence in education,” Mr Fraser said. For Mr Fraser, supporting regional and remote services, particularly those working in First Nations communities, is deeply important “because I believe in the principles of equity, justice, and human compassion.”
“My motivation stems from the aims of The Fraser Foundation, but also a sense of responsibility, empathy, and a desire to be part of positive change,” he said.
“I also feel we have a role to play in supporting educators to preserve and celebrate the unique traditions, languages, and ways of life within First Nations communities, so these live on for the children.” “It also shows the children in those ECEC services that there is opportunity, growth and hopefully encouragement that they could one day be an educator in their community.”
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