Young learners discover Indigenous ways of learning at CQUniversity

By Priscilla Roberts

More than 50 Year 4 students swapped the classroom for CQUniversity’s Rockhampton campus this week, taking part in a hands-on celebration of Indigenous Literacy Day.

The Lighthouse Christian School students rotated through a series of activities designed to explore Indigenous ways of learning, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancing, weaving and coding through rhythm and clap sticks.

CQUniversity’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing team partnered with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to deliver the event, with students learning through movement, creativity, storytelling and connection.

CQUniversity Prevention Coordinator in the Safer Communities unit Tiff Blake said the event reflected the university’s role as a place of education.

“We’re a place of learning and exploration and curiosity, and that’s exactly what literature does for us,” Ms Blake said.

“Having the school kids here is really special. We get to expose some young learners to our beautiful grounds, the University, the services, the supports and build connections, which is really important in Indigenous culture.”

Community member and event MC Thalep Ahmat said Indigenous Literacy Day was about more than literacy in the traditional sense.

“It’s all about trying to create and share stories and knowledges around Indigenous literacy, but also stories, storytelling about culture and community links, as well as stories from our ancestors and elders,” Mr Ahmat said.

He said the hands-on activities provided opportunities for students to learn through storytelling, yarning and cultural experiences.

“What I hope they take home from today is this small understanding of culture, and understanding that storytelling is a way of learning as well,” he said.

“All these activities help bring on conversations and sharing stories and yarning, and that helps educate kids as well.”

For Lighthouse Christian School Year 4 student Clara, the dancing was a highlight of the day.

Students also took part in weaving and coding activities, with Clara describing the coding activity as making a code and then clapping it out using clap sticks.

The experience gave students an opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture while also exploring the university campus and connecting with community members, staff and teachers.

Ms Blake said the benefits extended beyond the students who attended.

“We get to come together and celebrate and learn,” she said.

“Learn together, learn about communication, learn about storytelling, learn about dancing, but also again, learn what’s available in our community because that’s really important – knowing where to go and how to connect.”

For Clara, the day was something she could take home and share with her family.