When I was younger, high school felt pretty overwhelming. There were days when I didn’t feel like I fully belonged, and times when school felt more like something I had to survive rather than enjoy. That changed when I became part of Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy. Ngaarr Dhuwi isn’t just a program you attend once a week. It’s been a constant part of my school life from Year 7 right through to Year 12. It’s a space made especially for Aboriginal girls to feel safe, supported, and strong in who we are, while still pushing us to do our best at school and think seriously about our future. At Glendale Technology High School, Ngaarr Dhuwi has its own cultural academy space. For me, that space has felt like a second home. There are two mentors there full-time, every day of the week, and they genuinely show up for us. They listen, they check in, and they never make you feel silly for asking questions or needing help. When school gets stressful, that space gives you room to breathe and reset. One of the biggest things Ngaarr Dhuwi has given me is a stronger connection to culture and Country. Through cultural learning, community yarns, and camps, I’ve learned more about who I am and where I come from. That connection has helped me feel proud of my identity, not something I need to hide or explain. It’s also helped me build confidence, both in and out of the classroom. The mentors don’t work alone either. They collaborate closely with teachers, school leaders, Aboriginal Education Officers, families, and community members. Because of that, the support feels real and personal, not one-size-fits-all. Programs are shaped around what we actually need as students, whether that’s extra help in class, someone to talk to, or guidance about life after school. Ngaarr Dhuwi also looks ahead, not just at getting us through school, but at what comes next. We’ve had support with post-school pathways, business education, and targeted career days that show us the many options available beyond Year 12. For a lot of us, seeing Aboriginal women in different careers has made those futures feel possible, not just ideas on paper. The practical support matters too. Things like breakfast club, homework sessions, before and after school activities, and in-class support have made a real difference to attendance and motivation. It might sound small, but having someone make sure you’ve eaten, or sit with you while you finish an assignment, can completely change how your day goes. Another thing I love about Ngaarr Dhuwi is the chance to connect with girls from other schools through cross-school activities. It reminds us that we’re part of something bigger, a community of strong young Aboriginal women supporting each other. Now that I’m in Year 12, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am without this program. Ngaarr Dhuwi has helped me stay engaged in school, believe in myself, and start planning a future I’m excited about. It’s not just about education; it’s about wellbeing, culture, and self-determination. For any funders, partners, or community members looking at this program, I can say this from lived experience: Ngaarr Dhuwi changes lives. It creates safe spaces, builds strong identities, and supports Aboriginal girls to finish school feeling proud, capable, and ready for what comes next.