Ntaria School students have set off on the trip of a lifetime as they travel by horseback on a seven-day journey to ride in the Alice Springs ANZAC Parade on Tuesday 25 April.
The 127 kilometre ‘Arrarnta Tribe Ride for Pride’ from Hermannsburg to Alice Springs sees students acknowledge the role of Indigenous people in the Australian defence forces and the Central Desert brumbies used by the Light Horse Infantry during the first World War.
The Ntaria ANZAC ride contributes to the learning and assessment for Vocational Education and Training pathways in Rural Operations, Agriculture and Tourism.
Lead Trainer and Manager of the project Chris Barr said that 36 students will be participating in the 2017 journey, the biggest group since the program’s inception in 2015.
“Ntaria School has used horses since 2013 as a key strategy to increase student engagement in learning,” Mr Barr said.
“The outcomes of this program speak for themselves; this year we’ve had 90% attendance for our students involved in this program.
“Students get a sense of pride and self-confidence being involved, particularly when they see their efforts recognised by their families and the broader community.”
“This has become a whole of community event; it is something our students, families and school community cherish for a long time.”
Ntaria School principal Cath Greene said the ‘Arrarnta Tribe Ride for Pride’ is an anticipated annual event for the students and school community.
“This program is so important for our students, it brings the whole community together and celebrates our Indigenous servicemen past and present,” Ms Greene said.
“Our students are here in droves every day; this program gives them something to look forward to 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.”
The ride is made possible by the Ntaria Stronger Communities for Children initiative funded by the Australian Government.
It is a collaboration between Western Arrarnta family leaders, the Ntaria School and the Australian Light Horse Association.
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