Young people from remote areas of the Torres Strait will have better access to school thanks to extended and improved boarding facilities on Thursday Island providing a quality option for on-Country learning for students from the Torres Strait Islands.
The Australian Government is providing $4.7 million to on-Country boarding home Torres Strait Kaziw Meta. The money will improve the quality and capacity of boarding facilities for secondary students in the region, and keep them closer to home.
The funding will enable Torres Strait Kaziw Meta, which currently has capacity for 66 boarders, to extend the Waiwi Meta boarding house to support an additional six students, as well as upgrade the security and safety of the facility, improve the study environment for students and construct a new residence for boarding support staff.
With growing demand for boarding facilities in the region, the expansion will help Torres Strait Kaziw Meta shorten its waiting list and improve education outcomes for students who have little or no access to secondary education close to home. This will lead to increased participation, attendance and retention of First Nations young people in the Torres Strait.
These outcomes will contribute to Closing the Gap targets by increasing the proportion of First Nations youth engaged in education and completing year 12, leading to employment and training opportunities – and ultimately better life outcomes.
This funding is provided from the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) Children and Schooling program and builds on $1.5 million in Indigenous Boarding Providers grants received by Torres Strait Kaziw Meta since 2022.
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
“This is great news for First Nations students from the Torres Strait Islands who will have a quality option to study closer to home and not have to move to the mainland. This is an important way for young people to stay connected to Country and sea.
“The Australian Government is pleased to partner with providers like Torres Strait Kaziw Meta who are meeting the growing demand for on-Country facilities that connect First Nations young people in remote regions with education opportunities.
“By providing culturally appropriate support to keep First Nations students engaged in school, they can realise their potential and confidently transition into further education and opportunities that improve life outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to CEO Torres Strait Kaziw Meta, Thomas Dunsmore:
“We are thrilled and grateful for the support and funding from the Australian Government.
“This funding enables the expansion of Kaziw Meta, allowing us to provide additional housing for outer island families so their children can receive an education on country.”