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Services for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has set up three educational facilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders -
> Karalundi Aboriginal Education Centre
> Mamarapha College
> Mirriwinni Gardens Aboriginal Academy
Karalundi Aboriginal Education Centre
Karalundi is a Christian Boarding School catering for approximately 80-100 students, from kindergarten to year 10. It is a coeducational school, situated 60km north of Meekatharra on the Great Northern Highway. The staff members are committed to providing an atmosphere where students can develop academically and emotionally, to reach their potential.
The aim of the Centre is to provide Christian education and training to give students a greater opportunity to take part in the wider community. English is taught as a second language and students are encouraged to be proud or their culture and heritage.
Fun activities are organised for the students such as:
- sports - basketball, football and swimming
- bush trips
- cultural outings
- social programs
To find out more about the subjects taught, other activities offered and contact information visit www.karalundi.wa.edu.au
To view their photo gallery go to www.karalundi.wa.edu.au
Mirriwinni Gardens Aboriginal Academy
Contact details:
Miss Faye Oliver (Acting Principal)
Address: Nulla Nulla Creek Rd, Via Kempsey, NSW 2440
Phone: (02) 6567 2011
Mamaraph College is a Bible College established by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to teach Australian Indigenous men and women the Bible and how to share their faith with their own people across Australia.
The college name itself is a combination from western desert Aboriginal languages and ancient Hebrew and means ‘God makes whole’. Here, students find a centre where they can learn and heal and grow closer to God in a culturally sensitive way.
Courses
The College offers courses at Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels in Biblical Studies and Indigenous Ministry. There are two streams of study – Pastoral Ministry for aspiring ministers, and Ministry Studies for those wanting to enhance their Biblical knowledge and ministry skills without becoming a minister.
The courses cover four main study areas -
- Biblical studies
- ministry studies
- life skills
- general studies
>> Download brochure for Mamarapha (2005) for more information about courses offered.
The Mamarapha College is a registered training organisation, and all of the college courses and units offered are accredited by the Australian National Training Authority through the Western Australian Training and Accreditation council.
Because of the great need in indigenous communities, a health course is being developed by the college. A Health Course committee has been established to develop the curriculum, which will then need to be accredited and the necessary finance and staffing found before it can be offered.
Students
Our students vary in age from 18 to 70 years and the educational background has ranged from almost nothing to students with a degree, although a minimum of Grade 8 is the official entry level. In the last few years, around twenty new students have commenced studying each year, making an annual enrollment of around 40 students.
Kelly Ritchie from Kempsey, NSW says "I wanted to learn more about God and how to serve Him, especially in my local church and community. The knowledge and skills I have gained are so valuable..."
June Grogan from Kuranda, Qld was thrilled to get a diploma from the college, "that has been a big achievement in my life" she says.
Colleen Chitty, from Perth, WA used to "work hard, drink hard & play hard" but then met God. "Going to Mamarapha has taught me a whole new lifestyle – how to live God’s way. Leo Wright from Sydney, NSW says "I was looking for a better life, finding myself and peace. At Mamarapha I learnt I had to let go of my ways and let God manage my life." Trudy Pierce from Mossman calls Mamarapha "God’s teaching place, a place for spiritual growth and gaining self- confidence."
Robert Dorante, originally from the Torres Strait, Qld and now minister in Port Augusta, SA says "Mamarapha College is where I really met Jesus for the first time. The skills that I learnt have helped me socially, in my study, and in sharing Jesus with others. I’m convinced that Jesus is coming soon and that he’s done everything for us to be saved, and we need to do our part in fulfilling the Great Commission. If we don’t go, then who does?"
Contact details
Pr Gordon Stafford (Director)
Address: 188 School Rd, Karragullen, WA 6111
Phone: (08) 9397 7233
Fax: (08) 9397 7244
