The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) celebrated the accomplishments of 59 dedicated students at their Education Training Unit Graduation Ceremony at Albert Park yesterday.
Over 160 people attended the moving ceremony, which was one of reflection and connection as VACCHO celebrated the graduates, their families and their exceptional accomplishments.
VACCHO’s Education Training Unit is called ‘Yagilaith Djerring’ which is Woi-Worrung language for ‘learning from each other’.
It is the largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Registered Training Organisation in Australia.
The event represented a special moment for the students, some of whom were the first in their family to achieve a qualification.
VACCHO CEO Dr. Jill Gallagher AO, commended the graduates on their hard work dedication and resilience.
“Students that study and train with VACCHO experience wrap-around support, including support and guidance from an Aboriginal mentor throughout their journey, empowering them to achieve their goals and career aspirations.”
This year marks 25 years since Yagilaith Djerring was first established. It was born from the need of Community, who wanted vocational education and training that was culturally safe and led by Aboriginal trainers.
“I am so incredibly proud to see VACCHO’s Education Training Unit grow from strength-to-strength to become the largest Aboriginal training provider in Australia”
VACCHO’s training programs address the required skills and knowledge needed by industry by offering courses across Aboriginal Health, Business and Leadership and Social and Emotional Wellbeing.
“Aboriginal culture, and Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing are vital to the path forward for Communities.”
“The knowledge gained by graduates combined with their determination and ability to put Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands will make a big difference in supporting thriving, healthy Communities,” Dr Gallagher said.
For enrolments and more information, visit the VACCHO Education and Training page.
