The Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre (MLLLC) and AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) thank the NT Government for its renewed funding, which will help it continue its education of students from remote communities.
Education Minister Eva Lawler announced today the Territory Labor Government will invest $735,000 over the next three years to ensure MLLLC education programs continue, an increase of $135,000 on the previous three-year arrangement.
“Our government is investing in Territory children to give them the best possible start in life, which is why we are proud to be renewing this valuable partnership,” Ms Lawler said.
“The centre has already educated more than 650 students from 20 communities, giving them the opportunity to achieve their full potential and the skills to build a better future.”
Named after Territorian and AFL superstar Michael Long, the centre targets Aboriginal students aged between 11 and 14 and aims to engage them through an AFL-based curriculum.
Students undertake a 15-week community-based program that teaches them about leadership, health and wellbeing, and increases awareness of education opportunities beyond their communities.
They also travel to Darwin for a one week residential program at the MLLLC.
Michael Long said the extra $135,000 in funding would support 120 students from remote communities to attend a transitional boarding program.
“The program has had incredible growth over the past three years and more opportunities continue to be identified,” he said.
“Through this success, we will now endeavour to extend our programs to older age groups, which will continue to embed the importance of higher education, training and employment.”
AFLNT Chief Executive Stuart Totham said the renewed funding would enable the centre to further develop its program, to educate even more students from remote communities.
“On behalf of AFLNT, I would like to sincerely thank the NT Government for their fantastic support of the MLLLC education program,” he said.
“This support has enabled us to develop our program to provide opportunities to students from more than 20 regions across the Territory. We look forward to continued growth.”