Rueben Williams is nervous and excited ahead of his high school graduation. The young Anangu man completed his education more than 1400 kilometres away from his family home.
“Back in Alice Springs, you don’t have many options for schools,” he told SBS News.
“So I stayed at Wiltja.”
Wiltja Secondary College is a home away from home in Adelaide for Indigenous students from remote communities in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It combines a school and boarding facilities.
Rueben Williams with his proud grandmother Marjorie. Source: SBS News
Rueben's family travelled from Alice Springs to attend the school's official awards ceremony. His grandmother, Marjorie, says it’s a trip they don’t make often, as it means a 20-hour bus ride or an expensive flight.
“For us, it’s really hard to come down here,” she said.
“How are we going to get the money and all that. Lucky we saved money because we don't want to miss Rueben's graduation.”
But, she said, it was well worth it for such a special occasion.
“I’m really proud about my grandson getting graduation today… I might cry.”
Across the country, the number of Indigenous students finishing high school is increasing, but those from very remote areas are still far more likely to leave early.
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The idea behind the boarding house was devised by a group of Anangu women from South Australia's APY lands more than 20 years ago. The name 'Wiltja' means shelter in Pitjantjatjara.
This year it marked 20 years of operation. In that time, 75 Year 12s have graduated from the college. Today, students from Anangu communities in three states are encouraged to live there to attend public schools in Adelaide.
The graduation ceremony at Wiltja Secondary College. Source: SBS News
Makinti Minutjukur, the former head of the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee, says it is a place where strong culture meets strong education.
“I think I've seen most students who come to Wiltja in a job,” she said.
“Speaking English, reading and writing.”
“Most students who have been to Wiltja are really strong, confident, talking to higher people like government, education ... they become leaders.”
Raymond Scales, originally from Pipalyatjara, now works for South Australia Police and has just qualified as a combat engineer.
“Without the support Wiltja gave me, I don’t know if I would have graduated Year 12,” he said.
“I would have probably found it a lot harder.”
“It’s a good introduction to living between two worlds.”
When Rueben receives his certificate, he is greeted by thunderous applause and a standing ovation from his peers. He plans to head to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory and work with youth in sports and recreation.
