THE OUTSIDERS: A CHALLENGE FOR VOLUNTEERS
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Description: THE OUTSIDERS: A CHALLENGE FOR VOLUNTEERS
Author: De La Salle

Of them, not one had ever been to an indigenous community before. It made the speculation about what to expect and whether they would be made to feel welcome all the more interesting on the 10 hour road trip to Balgo Hills from Alice Springs.

“As outsiders, we weren’t sure what kind of reception we would be given on arriving in Balgo. Whether we would be accepted or made to feel welcome in the community was a big talking point for all of us,” said twenty-five year old Simon Nieuwesteeg from East Victoria.

“When we arrived we were warmly welcomed by the community, especially by the kids and the Brothers. Over the two weeks, we spent the majority of our time helping students with their literacy and numeracy skills which was enjoyable but also a massive challenge as the children speak very little or no English outside of school (Kukatja is their native language),” said Simon.

But it wasn’t long before the feeling of being “outsiders” was made real to the five volunteers when tragedy struck Balgo Hills, and sadly a young community member took his life.

“On Day 7 of our experience one of the locals, committed suicide. The effect of this tragic loss impacted greatly on the community and highlighted the challenges faced in a remote indigenous area”, said Simon.

The immense vulnerability of indigenous youths living in such an isolated place with limited opportunities for education, employment and healthcare can lead to dire consequences.    

The merging of indigenous life and 21st century Australia is curiously interesting in Balgo Hills. “The Brothers are very ordinary blokes and live in a typical western house. Whilst this seems unusual in the midst of this Indigenous society, it’s not. The western influence in Balgo is definitely evident, from schooling and sports, living in homes and driving cars to pushing babies around in prams…,” said Simon.

To question whether the western impact on indigenous life at Balgo is good or bad is irrelevant; the fact is it’s a reality and one which leads to daily challenges for all. Getting kids to attend school each day is an ongoing battle for teachers.

“School life in Balgo is in many ways ‘laid back’. The teachers have the challenge of trying to make school appealing and enjoyable for the kids, but at the same time maintain a level of discipline and authority. Motivating the kids to learn is a struggle as they don’t have the same drive or desire as city kids might,” said Simon.

Through Luurnpa Catholic School, the Adult Education Centre and BoysTown, the De La Salle Brothers offer education and training opportunities, social support, and cultural and spiritual activities to educate and increase young people’s self esteem and resilience.

The aim of the Challenge Program is to give young men an opportunity to learn more about the Brothers. “I wanted to gain some insight into how the Brothers live and work. I have a lot of respect for them and the work they do. They’ve given up a lot, and their presence in Balgo appears to be greatly appreciated by the community. The experience was fantastic, and I’d strongly encourage other young blokes to look into it,” said Simon.

Since returning to Melbourne, Simon is back at work in the Hospitality industry and planning to go to University next year to study primary teaching. “The Challenge Program reinforced my desire to become a teacher and I’d very much consider taking an indigenous component of the course, after spending time in Balgo,” said Simon.

“Whilst one of the greatest challenges [at Balgo] was being out of my comfort zone in a culture foreign to me, the community was very welcoming, particularly the kids - they were very friendly, social and outgoing. I had an awesome time and would jump at an opportunity to re-visit!” said Simon.