- Published:
- Monday 11 April 2016
Koorie students who completed Year 12 in 2015 were recognised by local Elders, members of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) and their families at an event at the Aborigines Advancement League today.
Minster for Education James Merlino congratulated the students on their hard work, as well as their families for their invaluable support throughout their children's education.
These students are part of the impressive trend of more Koorie students completing Year 12 or equivalent qualifications.
In 2015, 560 Koorie students completed the Victorian Certificate of Education, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning or VET in School Certificate.
This is an increase of 9.3 per cent on the 512 students who achieved themilestone in 2014, and has more than doubled since 2011 when 272 graduated with one of these qualifications.
The Andrews Labor Government has a range of programs to support Koorie students in education, including the 120-strong Koorie Education Workforce which helps students and their families engage with schools and early childhood services.
There are also 20 Wannik Education Scholarships, each worth $5,000, which are awarded to Koorie students who demonstrate high potential to help them complete years 11 and 12.
The Labor Government continues to fund the VAEAI to carry out advocacy work, research and initiatives to encourage even greater Koorie engagement with all levels of education, from early childhood to tertiary education.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget invests almost $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system – representing the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“I was delighted to meet Koorie students who have worked so hard – they should be extremely proud of themselves.”
“More and more Koorie students are reaching this significant milestone in their education, and we’ll continue to do all we can to support those who are following their example.”