Learning the EMU way

How Indigenous games are improving children’s cultural understanding, health and wellbeing, and learning in schools.

Ready for a game of Gorri, Buroinjin, Kabi or Puldjungi? Children in the Awabakal and Worimi regions of the Hunter will soon be able to teach you how to play, thanks to an exciting new school-based education program generously supported by Port Waratah Coal Services.

Led by alumna, Associate Professor Narelle Eather from the Centre for Active Living and Learning (CALL) at the University of Newcastle, EMU (Education, Movement and Understanding) combines the joy of games and sport with important lessons in culture, positive health and wellbeing, and literacy and numeracy development to address major issues affecting Australian children.

Across Australia, poor physical activity and fitness levels, high prevalence of mental health issues, and declining numeracy and literacy skills among children are major causes for concern. Children living in regional areas and children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are at highest risk.

EMU is the first program of its kind to integrate traditional Indigenous games to target key learning goals around cultural understanding and appreciation, health and wellbeing, and academic outcomes.

Children are not moving as much as they need to be healthy, with up to 80% of Australian children and adolescents considered inactive.

One in seven children aged 4-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

We have heart-warming examples of talented children who weren’t given opportunities to participate in sport outside of school, were disengaged from learning, and who had high rates of absenteeism from school, who came to school every day the EMU program was delivered because they enjoyed the learning program so much.

By providing teachers with the tools to deliver a fun and active learning program, that also shares concepts of Indigenous culture, country and caring for yourself and others, the EMU program is helping children be healthier, happier and more successful at school.”

Associate Professor Narelle Eather
EMU Program Leader
Doctor of Philosophy, 2014

Support for EMU

Following a successful pilot program, generous philanthropic support from Port Waratah Coal Services is funding EMU’s expansion into 10 schools across the Awabakal and Worimi regions of the Hunter. The program team will work alongside local Aboriginal elders, community members and schools to ensure the program reflects local Indigenous culture, language and storytelling while equipping teachers with professional skills to use traditional Indigenous games as a learning platform.

While students across the Hunter get more active, researchers will continue collecting evidence to support EMU being offered as a professional learning opportunity to teachers in all Australian schools, reaching thousands more children in the future.

Most Australian children finish primary school without having mastered the core movement skills to be active throughout their life, especially the skills of kicking, throwing, and striking.

The prevalence of social and emotional difficulties, mental health problems and psychological distress is higher in Indigenous children than non-Indigenous children.

Thank you Port Waratah Coal Services

When we take the opportunity to develop shared understanding and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture everybody benefits.

Port Waratah is excited to partner with the EMU team to help all children reach their full potential and contribute to creating more equitable and positive outcomes for the region’s First Nations people.”

Hennie du Plooy
CEO, Port Waratah Coal Services

If you would like to find a community project to support that aligns with your values, please see Kate's contact information below or go to newcastle.edu.au/donate

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Contact

• Kate
• Phone: 02 4921 8612
• Email: philanthropy@newcastle.edu.au