First People Project

First People Project will provide day and boarding scholarships, personalised mentoring, further education, and employment opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Fighting to close the Gap

We need to modernise our view of the education of First Nations youth to ensure we respond to the immediate needs, future aspirations, and pathways through work, career and life.

Quality education with personalised support planning for life is the key element to raising standards, economically, socially and emotionally. With it comes longer life expectancy, better housing, better relationships, better health outcomes, stronger financial stability.

The Challenge

100%

of our students will complete their HSC or equivalent qualification.

FPP will provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and girls access to day and boarding scholarships. Our team will provide you with a close personal mentor throughout your journey to support your academic, social, sporting and career endeavours.

Our mentors come from a range of backgrounds, but are all interested in volunteering their time to assist these boys and girls navigate the challenges of high-school and young-adult life.

This mentoring program is designed to build friendships and create a strong understanding of each of the students. Then, by the time they graduate, as a Not for Profit, we can use our resources and network to make the transition from school to work, study or whatever it may be, as seamless as possible.

The need for The FIRST PEOPLE PROJECT

We work intimately with student, family, school and community.

We are acutely aware of the statistics and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, including high rates of suicide, incarceration, poor health outcomes, and unemployment. Our innovative model works closely with students, families, schools, and communities. By leveraging Indigenous role models and fostering a strong team culture, we build a collective identity and promote success.

The Project Today

Currently, we partner with three boarding schools committed to our philosophy, with two more awaiting funding. These schools operate through a blend of philanthropy and community generosity, with one fully funding its students.

Costs

The cost per student is approximately $80,000 per year. This covers boarding fees, school and sport uniforms, excursions, laptops, extracurricular activities, and various other expenses involved in the life of a boarding student.

Aims

2025: We aim to have 3 schools with 75 First Nations students actively engaged and excelling.

2026: We aim to expand to 5 schools with 100 or more First Nations students actively engaged and excelling.

Your voice, support, advice, and expertise are vital to our mission.

First People Project will offer the opportunity to change the direction for Indigenous students, families and communities, targeting but not exclusively, in regional and remote areas of high unemployment, and social disengagement.

Our Purpopse