Adelaide Crows Foundation's Kuwa Circles Propels Indigenous Women into Thriving Careers

Young Indigenous women are reaping the benefits of their involvement in the Adelaide Crows Foundation’s second Kuwa Circles program, finding employment opportunities after completing the course. Over a span of four intensive weeks, 12 female students engaged in a specialized sports and cultural curriculum aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) principles. The participants received mentorship from AFLW premiership player Danielle Ponter and other experienced foundation employees. The success of this initiative has prompted the Crows Foundation, in collaboration with Workskil Australia, the Stronger Smarter Institute, Tauondi Aboriginal Community College, and Flow Power, to launch a Kuwa Circles program tailored for young Indigenous men.

Meika Bright, an alumna of the Kuwa Circles Indigenous women’s program, alongside Della Graham, secured positions at the Ayers Rock Resort. Meika expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that emerged through her involvement in the Kuwa Circles program, emphasizing the chance it provided her to connect with other Indigenous females. The program not only enabled her to obtain a job in Uluru but also pursue a Cert III in hospitality, offering a valuable chance for increased independence and networking. Meika credits the Kuwa Circles program for boosting her confidence to venture into a new state and live independently, an opportunity she might not have embraced otherwise.

Kuwa Circles, derived from the Kaurna word for Crow, embodies a collaborative effort between the Adelaide Crows Foundation, Stronger Smarter Institute, and Workskil Australia. This collaboration identifies crucial barriers hindering Indigenous women from accessing career education and pathways, especially in STEM careers. The forthcoming men’s program, scheduled to commence later this year, will provide an avenue for 20 young Indigenous men to participate, aiming to support their transition from school to employment. Applications for the men’s Kuwa Circles program are currently open, heralding a promising pathway for young Indigenous men to advance their career prospects.

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Photo Courtesy Adelaide Football Club

Courtesy Adelaide Football Club