Cape York Girl Academy
OVERVIEW The Cape York Girl Academy supports Indigenous girls to re-engage with, and complete their education by attaining either a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA). Teenage pregnancy is one of the most common reasons for Cape York girls dropping out of school. Through yarning circles and community consultations, Cape York women asked for a place for girls to finish their schooling, to gain work skills and qualifications, and to grow themselves and their children as future family role models. Girl Academy is Australia’s first boarding school designed for young mothers and their babies, and for girls who have been chronically disengaged from their education. Mothers and babies live together and learn together. Non-mothering students also live and learn at the Girl Academy. All students are supported by caring staff and surrounded by friends and visiting family. Girl Academy is a healing community that nurtures and supports effective and confident mothers, safe and happy children, and young Indigenous women through opportunities for growth, a sense of belonging, and a space to find their voices.
60
Family Empowerment Report // January–June 2021
