From 2022, Aboriginal students at John Paul College in Kalgoorlie will be able to access on-site tuition and support after school, through the Polly Farmer Foundation’s Follow the Dream program.

The program was officially launched at the College this week, with students, families, representatives from program partners and community guests attending the launch event.

Follow the Dream is an educational enrichment program that provides personalised learning plans, individual tutoring and extra-curricular activities designed to empower Aboriginal students to achieve academic success and transition into a positive post-school vocational pathway.

John Paul College Principal, Bradley Hall, said having the program based at the college would be a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal students.

“The personalised learning support, tutoring and enriching opportunities will not only improve academic results, but will also build up confidence and leadership skills,” he said.

“I am excited to see what students enrolled in the program go on to achieve at school and beyond,”

One of the highlights of the program will be the access to opportunities and experiences including camps and excursions throughout the year, which will focus on developing personal qualities and attributes, exploring career pathway and study options, and celebrating culture.

One parent who attended the launch said they “couldn’t be happier having tutoring now available at JPC”.

“It is such a relief that my son will no longer need to ride his bike after school to attend tutoring at Eastern Goldfields College – it is going to make such a difference for him,” she said.

The Polly Farmer Foundation has been working to deliver the Follow the Dream program in Kalgoorlie secondary schools since 2002, and the launch of a stand-alone program at John Paul College has been possible with funding from AngloGold Ashanti Australia and BHP.

Feature image: Eleven John Paul College students attend the 2021 Follow the Dream Camp.

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