Yesterday, Ntaria School students set off on an eight-day horseback journey to ride in the Alice Springs ANZAC Parade on Monday 25 April.

The 127 kilometre ‘Aranda Tribe Ride for Pride’ from Hermannsburg to Alice Springs will see students acknowledge the role of Indigenous people enlisted in the Light Horse Infantry during the first World War.

Lead Trainer and Manager of the project Chris Barr said Ntaria School has used horses since 2013 as a key strategy to increase student engagement in learning.

“To participate, students are required to have the knowledge and skills learned at school and ultimately, the program has increased school attendance and learning outcomes,” Mr Barr said.

“The program gives the students a sense of pride and self-confidence particularly when they see their efforts recognised by their families and the broader community.

“It’s a fantastic moment to witness and something the students, families and school community cherish for a long time.

“This is the main reason the students chose to call the project ‘Aranda Tribe Ride for Pride’.”

The Ntaria ANZAC ride contributes to the learning and assessment for Vocational Education and Training pathways in Rural Operations, Agriculture and Tourism.

The ride is a collaboration between Western Aranda family leaders, the Ntaria School, and the Australian Light Horse Association, made possible by the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities for Children initiative.

Ntaria School has received a three-year funding agreement from the Commonwealth that will contribute to a stronger cultural and social environment for the community through this activity.

Ntaria School principal Cath Greene said the ride would not be possible without the strong support from both the Australian Government.

“I’d like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this project, it has allowed us to continue this ride that celebrates our Indigenous servicemen past and present, and gives our students something to look forward to every year,” Ms Greene said.

“This program brings the whole community together, it engages students in authentic learning and teaches them far more than the competencies can evaluate.

“The students, teachers and support staff are a credit to our community, to themselves and to every Aboriginal soldier who fought in the two world wars.

“I am very proud to be part of this team.”

Media Contact: Kat Acampora – 0401 119 215