Indigenous students at Woorabinda State School in Central Queensland have been negotiating a ‘Bro Code’ as part of Scripture Union (SU) Queensland’s A2B program, which is supported by TEAR Australia.
The 16-week A2B program for at-risk youth aims to break negative habits and behavioural cycles by helping young people critically evaluate their experiences in school and in the community.
Participants learn aspects of leadership of self and others by learning about responsibility, self-control, respect, forgiveness, teamwork and commitment.
A critical element of the group formation process is the development of a ‘group deal’ – a code of conduct developed by the students themselves that sets out how the group will treat others and how they will be rewarded and challenged throughout the 16 weeks.
At Woorabinda State School, the students who join the A2B program refer to their ‘group deal’ as the ‘Bro Code’! One participant in the program said: “Through the program Chappy (facilitator) has encouraged us to go to school and be respectful. We’ve learned how respectful men work out their problems without fighting. We stick to our Bro Code and keep each other accountable because we are a team.”
A2B is an action-based learning program is delivered by school chaplains with support from SU QLD staff, and involves experiences like caving, fishing, and camping. Itruns for approximately 80 students from up to eight schools in Central Queensland in 2018 for students of all backgrounds, including Indigenous students.
SU Queensland Regional Manager, Sue Hanlon said the program equips young people with the tools they need to achieve their life goals. “Through the A2B program participants learn aspects of leadership of self and others by learning about responsibility, self-control, respect, forgiveness, teamwork and commitment.”
Tearfund provides support for Australia's First Peoples through programs led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian leaders. Together, we mobilise Australian Christians for a more just and equitable society for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
