In 2022, an innovative idea was seeded in Balga, Western Australia. Principal Mark Carton and leading Aboriginal Cultural and Language Educator, Donnelle Slater of Balga Senior High School, in partnership with local primary schools, initiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver Aboriginal language and cultural learning directly into classrooms.
This pioneering model led to the establishment of the Aboriginal Cultural Learning Hub (ACLH) at Balga SHS in 2023, under the leadership of Donnelle Slater. Through shared resources, professional mentorship, and the guidance of Elders, the model quickly expanded — directly impacting Aboriginal students and their families.
By 2024, a group of community Elders from the Wadjak Northside community wanted to promote a vision focused on Aboriginal student educational achievement, not just engagement and with coordination support from former Principal of Balga SHS, Geoff Harris formalised this vision into a registered organisation.
OUR KEY FOCUS
These five pillars form the heart of our model, driven by community, guided by culture, and focused on outcomes.
Embedding Aboriginal Culture and Language Learning
Connecting secondary and primary schools and community.
In-School Tutoring
Intensive tutoring in Mathematics, English and Science for secondary students creating belief and confidence in their ability.
Traineeships and Workplace Engagement for Year 11/12 Students
Delivering Leadership Certificate II Training through to paid Traineeships in primary schools.
Phonics and Numeracy Development for Early Years
Delivered weekly by Elders,Aboriginal Education Workers and Trainees to K-3 children.
Elder Mentoring
Employed Elders providing Cultural guidance, tutoring, student and family support through relationships and knowledge of community.
Guided by Aboriginal Elders, supported by schools, and grown with families.
From the Boodja - Culturally Grounded
Guided by Aboriginal Elders, supported by schools, and grown with families.
Student Focussed
From phonics, numeracy to graduation, a case management focus on achievement, each student is known, supported, and celebrated.
Philanthropic Support and Belief To Date
Investing in Aboriginal Student Futures
NKEFAC has successfully presented our Model to two Philanthropic supporters over the last three years, realising over $200,000 in support to trial the Model and $56,000 to conduct a formal Research Based Evaluation of the Model, reporting these outcomes by November 2025.
NKEFAC is extremely appreciative of this support from our supporters who wish to remain anonymous, in recognising our point of difference, Aboriginal Student Educational Achievement, Closing The Gap beyond claiming improved engagement or attendance.
kaya@ngalakoolangka.org.au