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MR: Larrakia funds breakfast program to keep school kids learning
Tuesday, 11 August '09
Larrakia Development Corporation funds breakfast program at some Darwin Schools
The Territory's premiere Aboriginal-owned development company has widened the scope of its social development activities by funding breakfast programs at two Top End high schools, where Larrakia and other Aboriginal students attend.
The programs, which allow students to fix themselves a basic breakfast at school, are now in place at Darwin and Palmerston High Schools.
The Chairman of the Larrakia Development Corporation, Koolpinyah Barnes, said his Board members recognized the importance of education, and the fact that youngsters with empty stomachs find it difficult to concentrate on their lessons.
"Kids can miss breakfast for a number of reasons, ranging from problems at home to just being late out of bed," Mr Barnes said.
"That is why the Board agreed to fund these breakfast programs at high schools with a high proportion of Aboriginal students."
The breakfast program at Darwin High School is organized by Barbara Tapsell, a Larrakia Development Corporation Board member who coordinates education programs for Aboriginal students.
Former AFL superstar Michael McLean runs the breakfast program at Palmerston High as part of the Clontarf Program, which promotes study and school retention through football.
Ms Tapsell said although the school breakfasts are primarily for Aboriginal students, the reality is that youngsters can bring in their mates for a bite to eat.
"We do not get too hung up about the rules. It is all about making the students feel comfortable, and able to perform in the school environment," she said.
Michael Mclean agrees.
"Kids roll in and out of the program, depending on what is happening at home, and when they got up that morning," he said.
"In fact, it is not strictly a breakfast program at Palmerston. The food is there, and the students can make up their mind if they want breakfast, morning tea or lunch."
Last month, the Larrakia Development Corporation board agreed to lift its disbursements to senior Larrakia by 25 per cent to help them meeting the rising cost of living in Darwin.
CONTACT: CEO Greg Constantine can arrange interviews on TN 8947 34 55
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