Malpa Young Doctors for Life program set to expand to Waroona, Bunbury schools with Alcoa Foundation funding

Students at schools in Waroona and Bunbury are set to benefit from a culturally-based health program’s expansion into WA.

Waroona District High School and Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School students will participate in the Malpa Young Doctors for Life program in Terms 3 and 4, which seeks to empower Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students aged 9-12 years to be health ambassadors.

As part of the 15 week program, students will learn skills from Aboriginal elders, doctors and paramedics in nutrition, hygiene, and wellbeing.

It is inspired by the work of Ngangkari, who are Aboriginal healers in central Australia that pass their skills down to younger generations.

The program also leans on the deeply embedded idea in First Nations culture of children being “doctors”, with students encouraged to spread their newfound knowledge with families and the community.

It will aim to improve education outcomes, with studies showing improved physical and mental health can increase engagement and learning.

Students at the two schools will be among the first in WA to take part in the program, which is being supported by a $100,000 donation by the Alcoa Foundation to the Aspen Medical Foundation to help the latter’s work with Malpa.

Malpa chief executive Don Palmer said the organisation was excited to extend its national program west.

“Sadly, the need to close the health gap for young First Nations people remains a challenge and we are delighted that our proven approach will now find a home and have an impact for young people in WA,” he said.

Alcoa Foundation president Caroline Rossignol said the program is strongly aligned will help build community resilience.

“Instilling health-conscious behaviours in young people is critical to improving and sustaining their physical and mental health,” she said.

“This culturally appropriate program takes the extra step to engage families and communities in the students’ journeys.”

Aspen Medical Foundation chair Sian Keys said they were delighted to work with the Alcoa Foundation to bring the program to WA.

“(We have) worked with Malpa for a decade and has seen firsthand the positive impact that it can have on communities and health outcomes,” she said.