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School Engagement Programs

The Education Engagement Attainment Initiative known locally as Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! provides practical, holistic support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and their community.

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Supporting Young People in the Pilbara to flourish

Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! focuses on four key areas of support to create culturally safe spaces where young people feel strong, connected and empowered across every stage of their learning journey. 

The program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and sponsored and supported by the West Coast Eagles, Hancock Iron Ore, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, Royal Life Saving Talent Pool, and the Shire of East Pilbara Youth Centre. These partnerships ensure the initiative reflects local strengths, cultural knowledge, and the aspirations of the Newman community. 

Visit us in Newman

Our team is here to support children, young people and families Monday to Friday.

  • Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:00pm
  • Contact: Sammi: 0473 534 111 (Sammi), 0488 120 340 (bus/Staff)

Four Key Areas of Support

The program strengthens learning, wellbeing and community connection through four interconnected pillars.

Early Childhood Development

Our team delivers early childhood activities that build school readiness, including the community-led Martu playgroup.

Created at the request of Elders, this culturally safe space helps families support their children’s learning from infancy through to early primary years. Families from the wider community are welcome to join.

Rewards and Recognition

We celebrate young people and families who make positive changes in their school attendance, learning habits, or home routines through:

  • Awards
  • Small ceremonies
  • Community shout-outs
  • Christmas hampers

Family Engagement

We work closely with families to understand what’s happening in the home, and what support may help. Assistance is offered on a case-by-case basis, and can include:

  • Transport
  • Local community events
  • Uniforms
  • Stationary
  • Food

We can’t help if we don’t know – families are encouraged to reach out. 

Community Connection

We connect with the community through activities including Nightfields Footy, Aqua Footy, Aqua Slam and Kayaking.

Early Childhood Development

Our team delivers early childhood activities that build school readiness, including the community-led Martu playgroup.

Created at the request of Elders, this culturally safe space helps families support their children’s learning from infancy through to early primary years. Families from the wider community are welcome to join.

Rewards and Recognition

We celebrate young people and families who make positive changes in their school attendance, learning habits, or home routines through:

  • Awards
  • Small ceremonies
  • Community shout-outs
  • Christmas hampers

Family Engagement

We work closely with families to understand what’s happening in the home, and what support may help. Assistance is offered on a case-by-case basis, and can include:

  • Transport
  • Local community events
  • Uniforms
  • Stationary
  • Food

We can’t help if we don’t know – families are encouraged to reach out. 

Community Connection

We connect with the community through activities including Nightfields Footy, Aqua Footy, Aqua Slam and Kayaking.

Meet the Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! Coordinator

Sammi Ryder, Y WA program Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-La Coordinator standing in front of a colourful program sign on a brick wall

Sammi Ryder

Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! Coordinator

Sammi is a proud Noongar woman of the Whadjuk, Yued, Ballardong, Gnaala Karla Boodja, and Wagyl Kaip nations, with Jaru connections. She has lived in Newman for more than 12 years, is a mother of three, and has been part of the Y WA for over 5 years. 

Sammi is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families to feel strong, connected, and empowered across every stage of their learning journey. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about our Education Engagement and Attainment Initiative.

The program is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people (ages 0-25) and families in the Newman community. Some activities, like the Martu playgroup and community events, welcome families from the wider community.

No, all programs and activities offered through our School Engagement Programs are completely free for families to access. 

Contact Program Coordinator Sammi Ryder on 0473 534 111 or email sammi.ryder@ymcawa.org.au. Sammi can discuss what support might help your family and how to access it. We can’t help if we don’t know, so please reach out. 

Support is offered on a case-by-case basis and can include food and basic needs, clothing and school uniforms, transport to school and community events, help connecting with medical or specialist services, and assistance obtaining birth certificates. Reach out to discuss your family’s specific needs.

Transport may be available on a case-by-case basis for programs like Nightfields Footy, Aqua Footy and Kayaking. Contact the bus/staff line on 0488 120 340 or speak with Sammi to discuss transport options

We celebrate young people and families who make positive changes in school attendance, learning habits or home routines through awards, small ceremonies, community shout-outs and Christmas hampers. This recognition builds confidence, pride and motivation to keep going.

The program office is located at 7 Kurrawan Way, Newman, WA. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm. 

Get Involved

For more information about the Education Engagement and Attainment Initiative, contact us or visit our Facebook page.

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