STEPS’ numeracy and literacy training on Elcho Island begins with a seed. By the time that seed has grown into a nutritional fruit or vegetable and sold at local markets, students have grown in skill and confidence.
By learning language and numeracy skills through the process of gardening, budgeting and small business, many students are thriving and enjoying the journey. STEPS trainer, Marlie, explained how students on Elcho Island are responding so well to the training, that they have begun planting the class’s second community garden.
Students prepare budgets for the gardens, including the cost and counting of seeds and expected yields. The end result is nutritional food for the students’ families and some left over for the market. “On Galiwinku we have a weekly market in the park, so we are planning a few more gardens where we’ll set up a stall and make money with our produce,” said Marlie. Numeracy skills are also taught in the kitchen through measurements and cooking methods. Weekly budgets for the family food bill are prepared, with some students moving to Excel spreadsheets, working on computers supplied by the Federal government.
“I have seen the students grow in confidence and admire their consistency in attending class,” Marlie said. “Some ladies have reached their 50 hours of training milestone, with two ladies reaching the milestone without missing a session.” The students recently visited various workplaces, seeking information required for the next stage of training: job readiness and ultimately employment. “We will finish our year with a cross-cultural outing which I’m looking forward to. I’ve taught traditional methods of hunting and cooking, dancing and singing. What trainer could ask for more!”
