By RUSSELL BENNETT
THEY come from contrasting cultures, but the young primary school students of the Ramingining community in remote Northern Territory share so much with their new friends from Cockatoo Primary School.
Once a year, as part of the hills school’s Aboriginal Perspectives curriculum, nine children are interviewed and selected to visit the Ramingining community in east Arnhem Land, about 500 kilometres west of Darwin.
Then, just a few short weeks later, the shoe is on the other foot – with students from the Top End coming down to get a taste of hills life.
The program is about racial tolerance and learning to get along with other people and accepting different values and cultures.
A contingent of Ramingining students visited Victoria earlier this month – making new friendships and even getting a taste of city life along the way.
In addition to a trip on Puffing Billy and a visit to the Casey Arc wave pool, the group also toured Luna Park and the Melbourne Zoo.
“It’s just an awesome experience and the kids adore it,” Cockatoo Primary School teacher Sarah Wintle said.
“Both communities and schools get right behind it.
“It’s certainly not a cheap exercise, but it’s definitely worthwhile.”
Emerald and District Rotary got right behind the project too, donating a $1200 cheque to Cockatoo Primary.
“It’s just about kids being kids together,” Ms Wintle said.
“I’ve been part of it for 10 years.
“When the kids come down here, they’re just awestruck.
“We take things for granted here but we’re just as awestruck when we go up there.”
The Ramingining students have returned home after their 10-day stay. Until next year – another adventure.
