KARREETA MEERTA PEENEEYT - GROW & RISE UP STRONG

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR

Karreeta Meerta Peeneeyt has been developed specifically to reach First Nations Young People who for many diverse reasons may not have access to Cultural Empowerment Programs or Positive Role Models within their lives and communities. However, this program is relevant to any First Nations Young Person aged 15 and over in Australia who would like to be involved. 

HOW TO ACCESS

You can register for the program further down on this website page. This will involve creating an account with an email and password. Once you register you will have instant access to the program materials via a login portal or app on any smart device. Further instructions will be provided upon registration. 

There is a registration fee of $200 to access the program for a 24-month period.

Yarn Bark is actively working to source funding to cover this registration fee in the future to make this program more readily available and accessible. 

If you are an organisation, school, department or service that is interested in purchasing registration bundles for First Nations Young People you provide service to or if you require financial assistance please contact us directly at [email protected] to discuss further. 

AGE GROUPS

Please note, there will be two versions of the program available: one for young people aged 15–17 and one for young people aged 18–22. Initially, both versions will deliver the same core program and learning experience, with participants separated by age group. Over time, and guided by feedback and input from young people and community, the two versions may evolve to include content, conversations and activities that are more specifically relevant to the different life stages and experiences of each age group.

Program Topics

Karreeta Meerta Peeneeyt consists of a series of "Campfires" (modules / topics) and "Yarns" (supportive conversations). 

The program explores topics such as: 

• Cultural connection,  identity and navigating worlds. 
• Understanding colonisation and its impacts. 
• Self-care and holistic wellbeing. 
• Shame, stigma and limiting labels. 
• Healthy choices and positive life pathways. 
• Dealing with the impacts of racism. 
• Community, belonging and collective identity. 
• Confidence, voice. Community leadership and self-belief. 
• Personal development, values and owning their story with pride. 

Evolving Program 

Karreeta Meerta Peeneeyt is an evolving program. Meaning overtime we will add more "Campfires" and "Yarns" to continually support the growth and development of all young people involved. There will be many opportunities for participating young people to provide their feedback and suggestions into topics and learning opportunities they would like to be included. Ensuring the program remains relevant and engaging for many years to come. 

The co-design, development and production of this resource has been led by Yarn Bark, a grassroots First Nations Led Social Enterprise based in Victoria. To learn more about Yarn Bark you can visit our website here www.yarnbark.com  

The process of designing this training has been strongly informed by a thorough community co-design approach. This has included facilitating workshops and consultations that have captured relevant insights from both Aboriginal and Non-Indigenous People with relevant lived, living and professional expertise in the OOHC / Child Protection Sector. 

Some of the key stakeholders involved in the co-design process included representatives from VACCA, Berry Street, DFFH, Oz Child, Life Without Barriers, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative, Key Assets, Anglicare and Melbourne City Mission. Additionally, First Nations Young People, Kinship Carers and First Nations Community Members with valuable lived experience of the Child Protection System. 

The creation of this training was made possible when Yarn Bark received investment from VicHealth. 

The views and opinions expressed in the training are those of Yarn Bark, inspired by the synthesised and detailed co-design findings, but do not necessarily reflect the views of any other of the key organisation stakeholders engaged throughout the co-design process. 

By becoming involved in this program participating young people will: 

• Have direct access to positive First Nations role models and mentors. 
• Engage in a program that is empowering and strength based. 
• Become connected to a large community of First Nations Young People from diverse communities across the country. 
• Keep up to date with other opportunities that become available to the Karreeta Meerta Peeneeyt Community. 
• Develop skills, values, perspectives and qualities that will support them throughout their lives. 
• Receive a certificate of completion to honour the time, energy and commitment put towards completing the program experience.