< Youth Services
Designing Futures – After School Programs for Indigenous Students in Orange NSW
Designing Futures is an Indigenous youth program supporting young Aboriginal students to build confidence, leadership, life skills and independence. Delivered by Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council, the program runs four days a week during each school term at our hall on Dalton Street, with special events and excursions during school holidays.
Through this program, students take part in group sessions grounded in Aboriginal culture and self-identity, alongside health and wellbeing.
Our sessions encourage students to explore their identities, by prioritising their health and wellbeing. We provide transport, picking students up from school at bell time and dropping them off between 5pm and 6pm, to ensure that participation in the program is as easy as possible for the families too.
Designing Futures is built on strong partnerships with schools, families and the wider community, working together to achieve the best outcomes for every student.
Referring a student
Designing Futures is a school referral support program, designed for schools to refer Aboriginal students who’ve been identified as needing additional support in targeted areas. Referrals are typically made for students experiencing:
- Poor attendance
- Risk of suspension
- Social or behavioural concerns
- Other factors affecting their wellbeing or engagement at school
Referrals must be made by the school principal or a nominated school representative, in partnership with the student’s family, who will need to complete the necessary referral documentation together with the school. Participation is subject to availability.
Designing Futures works collaboratively with schools and other key stakeholders to make sure every student receives personalised, culturally appropriate support, grounded in celebrating and strengthening Aboriginal identity and culture.
What families can expect
If your child’s school has spoken to you about Designing Futures, here’s what the program involves – it’s a culturally grounded after school program for Aboriginal students in Orange NSW.
Sessions focus on Aboriginal culture and self-identity, health and wellbeing, alongside building the confidence, leadership and life skills to help your child thrive, both at school and in the community. School holidays bring extra special events and excursions for participating students.
To take part, your child’s school will need to complete a referral with you, since places are arranged through the school rather than directly with families.
