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Yuendumu School Celebrates 50 Years of Bilingual Education with Batchelor Institute Graduates
Home Yuendumu School Celebrates 50 Years of Bilingual Education with Batchelor Institute Graduates
04 April 2025
4 minute read

March marked a historic milestone for Yuendumu School as it celebrated 50 years of bilingual education, highlighting the power of learning in both Warlpiri and English. This vibrant event honoured the invaluable contributions of Batchelor Institute graduates, whose dedication to teaching, curriculum development, leadership, and advocacy has shaped bilingual education in the Northern Territory for half a century.

A Legacy of Language and Learning

The bilingual education program at Yuendumu School began in 1974, pioneering a model where students thrive by learning in their first language, Warlpiri, alongside English. Over the decades, Indigenous Australian educators—defined here as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—trained at Batchelor Institute have been the backbone of this success. At the celebration, their achievements were spotlighted, with special recognition given to seven graduates who earned teaching qualifications, including four who attained degree-level credentials, enabling them to become registered teachers.

Batchelor Institute Senior Lecturer Alisa Purdon attended the event, reflecting on the enduring partnership between the Institute and Yuendumu School. This collaboration embodies the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education’s Both-Ways Philosophy, blending the knowledge systems of Indigenous Australians with Western education to empower communities and preserve culture.


 
How It All Came Together

The success of bilingual education at Yuendumu is no accident—it’s the result of years of effort, innovation, and commitment. Batchelor Institute has long provided tailored training pathways, including the Remote Aboriginal Teacher Education (RATE) program, which ran from the late 1970s to 2010. RATE offered a mix of onsite, school-based, and campus workshops, delivering qualifications from associate diplomas to degrees designed specifically for Indigenous Australian educators teaching in their first languages.

Today, the Institute continues this legacy with Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications in Learning and Teaching First Nations Languages, Early Childhood Education and Care, and School-based Education Support. These programs equip Indigenous Australians to serve their communities while keeping languages like Warlpiri alive and thriving.

A Lasting Impact

The impact of this milestone ripples far beyond the classroom. Bilingual education strengthens students’ cultural identity, boosts academic outcomes, and fosters community pride. For the Warlpiri people, a vital part of Indigenous Australians, it’s a testament to resilience and self-determination. As Yamuna Napurrurla Oldfield, a respected Warlpiri educator, shared: “Jalanguju Warlpiri ngulaju panu-nyayirniki, panu kuurluku. Wangkajarnalu, ‘Waja-waja-maninja-wangu nganimpa-nyangu Warlpiri.’ Kapirlipa warrki-jarrimi tarnngkajuku.” Translated, she said, “These days Warlpiri is for everything, and it’s in all Warlpiri schools. We (Warlpiri communities and teachers) said that we would never lose our language. We will always work to keep our language strong.”

These spirited words aligns perfectly with Batchelor Institute’s mission to empower Indigenous Australians through education, honouring both tradition and innovation.

Looking Ahead

The celebration isn’t just a look back—it’s a launchpad for the future. Prospective students among Indigenous Australians interested in teaching in their communities can explore Batchelor Institute’s current offerings, which continue to support First Nations language education and community-driven learning. This milestone at Yuendumu School sets the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.

Voices of Pride

The event was enriched by personal stories, like that of Yamuna Napurrurla Oldfield, whose words capture the heart of this journey. Another voice, yet to be finalised, will soon join hers—watch this space for an additional quote from a Batchelor Institute graduate or faculty member, adding further depth to this inspiring story.

A Bright Future for Bilingual Education 

Yuendumu School’s 50-year celebration underscores the transformative power of bilingual education and the critical role of Batchelor Institute in training Indigenous Australian educators. By nurturing teachers who champion their languages and cultures, the Institute ensures that communities like Yuendumu continue to thrive.