Foundation programs on Indigenous youth return to SBS TV on June 2nd
May 18, 2010Two Rural Health Education Foundation programs on healthcare for school-aged Indigenous children have earned repeat screenings on SBS television on June 2nd.
The first program, Stay Strong, a half-hour documentary which focuses on the challenge for Indigenous kids in the 6 to 12 years age group to “stay strong”, will air at 3.00pm on SBS One (the primary SBS TV channel). It examines successful community-based primary healthcare and educational initiatives with an emphasis on prevention and health promotion in areas of identified need.
The second program, Strong and Deadly, a half-hour documentary which focuses on challenges for Indigenous people in the 12 to 18 years age group, will follow at 3.30pm. It presents several community-based initiatives that draw on culture to provide programs that are having a significant impact on the health and well-being of Indigenous young people.
Both programs premiered on the Foundation’s own national satellite broadcast network in February 2009 and have been widely distributed on DVD to Indigenous communities.
National forum for cultural identity issues
“Research indicates that a strong cultural identity is an important protective factor for Indigenous children, particularly adolescents,” says Don Perlgut, CEO of the Rural Health Education Foundation. “So the decision by SBS to re-broadcast these two programs to a mainstream national audience will help to reinforce that identity, and also provide another convenient learning opportunity for health professionals who care for Indigenous kids.”
Programs highlight successful case studies
Both programs are presented by well-known Indigenous actor Roxanne McDonald, and feature successful case studies.
Case studies showcased in Stay Strong include 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.
Case studies featured in Strong and Deadly include a football-based program in a high school in Kununurra, WA; a young women’s group in Palmerston, NT; and Tirkandi Inaburra, a residential program for Indigenous boys aged 12-15 near Coleambally, NSW.
SBS One broadcast details
Stay Strong (26 mins) - 3.00pm Wednesday June 2nd
Strong and Deadly (26 mins) - 3.30pm Wednesday June 2nd
Free DVD copies for Indigenous organisations
Free DVD copies of these two programs are available (together on one DVD) 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 programs for viewing via video web-streaming or listening via an audio podcast, both free of charge.
About developmental challenges for Indigenous youth
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. Good nutrition, education and a strong cultural identity are central to the overall health and well-being of Indigenous kids.
Indigenous young people in the 12-18 years age-group have often grown up against a background of entrenched social and economic disadvantage. Many have experienced stressful life events (such as the death of close family members), poor diet and health care, disrupted schooling, and have engaged in a variety of risk-taking behaviours. By the time of adolescence, the effects on their health, educational outcomes, and social and economic opportunities are evident. Research is now indicating that a strong cultural identity is an important protective factor for Indigenous adolescents
More information
For more information about these programs - including details of the case studies and associated educational resources - go to the Stay Strong or Strong and Deadly program summary pages and follow the links, or contact the Foundation.