In a heart-warming initiative, KARI has been making a significant impact on the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by providing essential backpacks to prepare them for the school year. Last year’s backpack drop-off for Prep and Year 6 kids was a tremendous success, seeing double the program take up from 2022, and this year promises to be even more impactful.
The outreach efforts extended beyond local borders, with backpacks delivered to Year 6 students ranging from Coolangatta to Boonah. The initiative gained such recognition that a teacher from Baralaba State School in Central Queensland, west of Gladstone, reached out to join the program, and will be receiving backpacks this week.
The organisation collaborated with various schools in the region, including Yarrabilba State School, Assisi Catholic College, Ormeau State School, St Francis Xavier Catholic School, Helensvale State School, Tallebudgera State School, Coolangatta State School, St Brigid’s Catholic School, St Augustine’s Currumbin Waters, Arundel State School, Jimboomba State School, Coomera Springs, Pacific Pines State School, Currumbin State School, Boonah State School, Highland Reserve State School, Upper Coomera State College, Mother Teresa Catholic School, Beaudesert State School, Mabel Park State School, and Elanora State School.
Notably, the initiative expanded its reach into Northern NSW last year, benefiting schools such as Ballina Public School, Tweed Heads Public School, Lismore Public School, Kingscliff State School, and Tweed Heads South Public School. The impact of this initiative continues to grow, providing support and resources to students across the region.
Looking ahead, the program plans to offer schools the opportunity to participate during Term 3, 2024, for the 2025 academic year.