Follow The Dream is an academic program that supports aspirant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve positive academic outcomes; with the aim of graduating high school and moving on to further pathways: University, TAFE, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, or meaningful full-time employment.
In partnership with the Department of Education Western Australia, The Graham Polly Farmer Foundation, and Rio Tinto Dampier Salt Limited, Carnarvon Follow The Dream was established in 2005 and has been an integral program within the school providing support to aspirant Indigenous students in a multitude of ways:
- After-school individual or small group tutoring to provide assistance in completing: homework and assignments, study for upcoming tests and exams, extension work that caters to individual students’ learning needs, study skills and goal setting
- A safe and supportive environment to study after school
- Individualised support and mentoring
- Ongoing advice and encouragement about courses and careers
- Support with applying for scholarships or financial assistance
- Opportunities for students to attend educational or cultural experiences such as: Careers, Cultural or Rewards Camps and Work Place Visits
The program operates after school every Monday to Thursday. All Indigenous students are encouraged to apply, however, Carnarvon Follow The Dream selects students on merit that they meet and maintain the following criteria:
- Excellent attendance at both school and at the Follow The Dream Tuition Centre
- Demonstrates a strong desire to improve their academic performance
- Acts as a positive role model to their peers and within the community
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Commitment to the program with family support
Please feel free to contact Mimi Fong, the Program Coordinator, to discuss having your child join the program.
Phone: (08) 9941-6000
Mobile: 0437517866
Email: mimi.fong@education.wa.edu.au
What our students think:
“Follow the Dream made school a lot more enjoyable. I was getting good grades and was able to see my full potential. Without Follow the Dream I never would have gone to university, the program taught me skills that I took with me to help get me through my degree. I graduated with a double major in Anthropology and Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage and went on to complete a Masters of Heritage Studies which included writing a thesis, something I never thought I would achieve in my life. I’m very proud of my journey so far and I know I would not be where I am today without all the help and support from Follow the Dream”. –Rhianna Couzens, 2007 Graduate
“I’m so thankful for the Follow The Dream program for my Saripha. It is definitely a place where she gets unwavering support and mentorship and they help her to keep on top of her studies and her goals. She has a great support network and peers in Follow The Dream who motivate her. The Program Coordinator closely monitors Saripha’s progress and works closely with myself, other carers, the community and the school to ensure the students have the best possible opportunities and outcomes. As parents, the communication is so helpful and the support is greatly appreciated.”- Roslyn Randall, mum
“Follow The Dream has definitely made my high school experience worthwhile. I attended Follow the Dream since Year 7 and the different Program Coordinators have all contributed something interesting and impactful on my own outlook on life. I wouldn’t be where I am today (The University of Western Australia), if it weren’t for the help and support of Follow The Dream.”- Nancy Murray, 2017 Graduate
“It means a lot to me. It’s like a second home to me where I feel I can do anything that I strive for because I have the support of the tutors and my peers. They are my family!”- Marcus Stratton, 2017 Graduate
“This program means a lot to me, as it is not only a place where I can study and complete work but also a support network where I can communicate any and all problems. Follow The Dream has played a role in improving my attendance at school.”- Danika Councillor-Warner, 2017 Graduate
“This program to me means that I have place I can relax and study for upcoming tests or assessments. Having this program has changed my academic choices in life and has made me feel like a much smarter person in general!”- Bradley Smith-Kempton, Year 12
“This program means so much to me. It allows me to finish all my assignments on time. Even when I don’t have homework, they always give me something to do to further my education.”- Paige Ryan, Year 11
“Follow The Dream means a lot to me. It has helped me get better scores on my tests and if they were to ever shut it down, I think my grades would drop and I would cry! I love this program so much and everyone in the program genuinely benefits from it!”- Kate Lawer, Year 9