Families Program

Martu want their children to grow up strong and healthy, and for their children to acquire and maintain knowledge in both mainstream and Martu worlds.

Working in partnership with the whole suite of KJ Programs as well as with schools, health and other social services, Families Program supports Martu families across five domains:

1.      Martu Culture

“Kids need to learn their water holes.”—Muuki Taylor, KJ Senior Cultural Advisor

Together with KJ’s Country and Culture, and Ranger Programs, Families Program supports Martu to raise their children in Martu ways, so that they are strong in their identity and have a deep sense of belonging on country. Families Programs provides opportunities for Martu families to come together on country, speak first language, and transfer cultural knowledge.

 2.   Early Years Education

Martu want their children to succeed in both worlds. The Families Program enables Early Years Education to be delivered in an intercultural way, with Martu teachers, learning on country as well as in the classroom and tools and materials framed for Martu society and context. Families Program uses evidence based mainstream approaches modified for Martu families and children. Families Program enables parents and caregivers to enrich their children’s growth and learning experiences.

 3.      Martu Employment

Employment supports children and their families by increasing income in low income homes, and developing skills, confidence and knowledge of caregivers. Employment provides a pathway for mothers and caregivers to contribute to and shape their community.

 4.      Martu leadership

The Families Program fosters leadership in women and caregivers by developing confidence, knowledge and skills. Through the Martu Leadership Program, caregivers can attend workshops to build understanding of the mainstream world, increase their confidence in engaging with it, and meet their aspirations to drive positive change throughout the Martu community. 

 5.     Health

The Families Program works with Martu families and health services to promote health and well being in Martu families. This is done through fostering Martu cultural practices that support health, implementing appropriate health promotion practices through the Families Program, and fostering dialogue between the two systems to develop creative approaches to healthcare that are meaningful for Martu families.