Students at Dubbo College Delroy Campus are embracing Aboriginal language to connect to culture and prepare for the future beyond school.

There are 19 students currently undertaking a Certificate I in Tourism (Wiradjuri) at the campus.

The program creates learning pathways for students by bridging career aspirations with work experience and is now in its second term at the college.

Delroy student Shanay Nolan said the program had been informative, but also plenty of fun.

“We’ve learned so much about where our Elders come from, and what they know about language,” she said.

“Every week we do something different.”

Aboriginal Language and Culture Officer and program facilitator, Brooke Ferguson, said the development of the course materials had involved consulting closely with local community members and Aboriginal Elders.

She said recognising the cultural integrity of the information and languages being taught was important, especially during Aboriginal Languages Week.

“The course allows the kids to work with local knowledge holders, and even better it gives them pathways for careers in the tourism sector,” Ms Ferguson said.

Students participating in the program have already gained a wealth of knowledge on language, culture and leadership.

The class has visited Taronga Western Plains Zoo to learn about Aboriginal kinship, as well as the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre to gain on-the-ground knowledge of native plants.

Student Miley Shipp said she now had a better understanding of the Wiradjuri language, and also her own heritage.

“I signed up because I really want to learn more about my own culture and be able to spread that knowledge to younger generations as well,” she said.

“I’ve learned my totem is a goanna.”

The learning opportunity has been valuable for students from all backgrounds, building knowledge of Aboriginal language and cultural capability to support their educational and professional development into the future.

For the teachers delivering the course, witnessing the passion and personal development of the students has been a highlight.

Delroy Campus Relieving Principal Samoan Forrest said it was amazing to see how engaged the students had been.

“When the opportunity for our school to run this program arose, I grabbed it with both hands,” she said.

“It’s had an incredible impact on the kids involved and has them excited to come to school.”