Childcare student lends support in Aboriginal community

From assisting families with parenting challenges to introducing methods in improving early childhood outcomes for Aboriginal children, childcare student Marjorie Slater-Burns has been making a real difference in her community as an Aboriginal Parent Support Worker at Hume City Council.

Marjorie currently studies the Certificate III in Children’s Services at Kangan Institute’s Indigenous Education Centre (IEC) and commenced working at Hume as part of a full-time traineeship.

According to the 23-year-old her work has brought her immense joy and personal satisfaction as a young mother herself. 

“It is completely different to what I thought I'd be doing, but I do enjoy working alongside children and I wouldn't have it any other way considering I am also a young mum myself,” she says.

“I love doing being able to work with families in my community and helping them with their children makes what I'm doing a whole lot more worthwhile. Without the unbelievable support from Kangan Institute’s Indigenous Education Centre and Hume City Council I wouldn't be able to do what I’m doing in order to provide a better future for my son and myself.”

The IEC mentors all trainees and liaises with workplaces to enhance the traineeship outcome for each student. Marjorie’s flexible and self-paced learning includes weekly classes and work-related assessments.

On top of a safe, culturally appropriate study environment, the IEC provides language and literacy support where required, flexible assessments and employment links with local communities and businesses.