After two years of on-and-off disruptions, Batchelor Institute students turned out in strong numbers for the annual Graduation Ceremony held at Batchelor Campus on 2 June 2022.
More than 250 First Nations students were eligible to graduate on Thursday, with a total of 280 individual awards conferred. Around 50 graduands travelled to Batchelor Campus to attend the ceremony in person. The graduands hail from urban, rural, and remote communities across the Northern Territory, as well as from interstate.
Thirty different courses were represented, covering subjects ranging from construction to community services, visual arts, conservation and land management, primary healthcare practice, and many more.
Graduating is an important milestone for the Institute’s students, many of whom go on to contribute to an important legacy in their families and to become role models for other young people in their communities. Although disruptions were experienced from time to time due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, this year marked a return to celebrations as usual.
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Batchelor Institute provides a culturally safe learning environment for First Nations peoples, and students often speak of the Institute’s “both-ways” approach that brings together First Nations and Western knowledges in a way that embraces respect, tolerance and diversity.
Education graduate Vinette Ngalmi, who has completed a number of certificates in business and in education support with the Institute, delivered the student response. “Batchelor is a great place for community people to study. It is a safe place where our culture is recognised, our language is valued, and where we meet up with all different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and share our stories. Without Batchelor a lot of us would not have made it this far,” Ms Ngalmi said.
Batchelor Institute’s CEO Mick Gooda offered his congratulations to all students graduating this year. “Graduation is one of the most important events for everyone at Batchelor Institute. Today’s ceremony symbolises the achievements and successes of all graduates. Despite inevitable challenges along the way, including continued disruptions from COVID-19 in recent times, our students have demonstrated that hard work, commitment and perseverance pay off in obtaining valuable qualifications for the future,” Mr Gooda said.
“These qualifications not only open up more employment opportunities and study pathways for our graduates but may also serve as an inspiration for other students and potential students more widely. I congratulate all graduates and all families, friends and communities for the achievements we are celebrating today,” he added.
Many students will now move forward into work opportunities or further study with confidence, increased skills and a formal qualification in hand.