SBS to re-screen Indigenous youth healthcare program ‘Stay Strong’ on April 11th
March 29, 2010A Rural Health Education Foundation program on healthcare for primary school aged Indigenous children has earned another encore screening on SBS Television, this time on Sunday April 11th.
Stay Strong, a half-hour documentary which focuses on the challenge for Indigenous kids in the six to twelve years age group to “stay strong”, will air at 10.30am on SBS One (the primary SBS TV channel).
The program examines some successful community-based health and education initiatives that put an emphasis on prevention and health promotion. Stay Strong premiered on the Foundation’s own national satellite broadcast network in February 2009 and has been extensively distributed on DVD to Indigenous communities.
A welcome distribution boost
“Nationwide free-to-air television exposure gives a substantial boost to our educational program distribution, so it’s wonderful that the previous broadcasts of Stay Strong were popular enough for SBS to schedule another run,” says Don Perlgut, CEO of the Rural Health Education Foundation. “We welcome SBS’s latest scheduling decision, which is another validation of the quality of our productions and our programming choices.”
Program features successful case studies
Stay Strong examines successful community-based primary healthcare and educational initiatives with an emphasis on prevention and health promotion in areas of identified need.
The program showcases the Nunga Kid’s Café in Port Lincoln, Music Outback Foundation in Central Australia, and Chris Sarra’s Strong and Smart program, which all contribute to generational change by providing culturally positive experiences for Indigenous kids that build pride and resilience.
SBS broadcast details
Stay Strong (26 mins) - 10.30am Sunday April 11th on SBS One.
Free DVD copies for Indigenous organisations
Free DVD copies of this program are available for Indigenous organisations and for health professionals working in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health. (Anyone else can purchase the DVD from the Foundation’s website.) If you are eligible for a free copy, please email us at support@rhef.com.au, including your complete postal address and contact telephone details.
Also available free online
The Foundation’s website also provides the program for viewing via video web-streaming or listening via an audio podcast, both free of charge.
About developmental challenges for Indigenous kids
Children’s health and development during their primary years have lifelong implications. However, for Indigenous kids in the 6 to 12 years age group, it can be quite a challenge to “stay strong”. Many of them are disadvantaged at birth by poverty, poor health and nutrition, overcrowding or homelessness, and are further stressed by the death of close family members. Their opportunities for a successful educational outcome have often been reduced.
Good nutrition, education and a strong cultural identity are central to the overall health and well-being of Indigenous kids.
More information
For more information about the Stay Strong program - including details of the case studies and associated educational resources - go to the program summary page and follow the links, or contact the Foundation.