“The Learning on Country Program gives the students knowledge and safety on country, and working with old people and Rangers ensures the important stories and connections are passed down to the next generation.”

- Cindy Jinmarabynana – LoC Steering Committee Co-Chair

Dhuwal ŋayi dhukarr, Learning on Country-ŋur, marŋgithinyaraw djamarrkuḻiw' buku rur'yun ga lukuŋur wäŋaŋur.
This two-way pathway, Learning on Country, is for our children and comes from our connection to Country, standing with both feet on the land.

Märrma' dhukarr djamarrkuḻiw' nhänharaw ga marŋgithinyaraw ga malthunaraw.
Through this pathway, our children are watching, learning and following us.

Yolŋu rirrakay ga dhukarr dhawaṯmaraŋ märrma rom.
It is from the voice of Yolŋu that this pathway emerges.

Bukmak manapanamirr märrmaw dhukarrgu.
Bringing everyone together along this journey.

- Dangadanga (Danny) Garrawurra – LoC Steering Committee Co-Chair

Walking Strong in Two Worlds – Developing Our Future Leaders

The Learning on Country Program (LoC) is a joint initiative between Aboriginal Ranger groups and 14 schools across the Top End, which engages Indigenous students in remote areas of the NT through education, with a focus on ‘both ways’ learning within their secondary school curriculums. It’s this combination of curriculum and culture that builds the skills, confidence and capacity of our future leaders to walk strong in two worlds. The ‘two toolbox approach’ incorporates both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems to deliver culturally appropriate education and training for remote students’ learning and employment pathways, with a strong focus on intergenerational transfer of culture and traditional knowledge.

Learning on Country - Cultural knowledge learning programs

The Learning on Country Program is delivered with a key focus on the senior secondary student cohort. The teaching and learning programs are developed collaboratively between school and Ranger staff, with a focus on field-based activity, drawing on traditional and western knowledge systems. Activities include a wide range of Ranger groups' projects and responsibilities around land and sea management and are modelled by cultural knowledge as directed by Traditional Owners.

Program Objectives

The key objectives of the Learning on Country Program include;

Increase inter-generational transmission of Indigenous knowledge and customary practice
Develop strong partnerships between ranger groups, schools and local community to deliver a culturally responsive secondary school curriculum
Increase school attendance
Improve student learning