We are having the BEST time!!!

Guest speaker Dr. Howard Goldenberg

Elcho Island Cultural Exchange students were priveledged to hear from our guest speaker Dr Howard Goldenberg yesterday. 

Howard spoke to students about  his book 'Raft,' and about his experiences of living and working in remote indigenous communities, including Elcho Island, as well as what to expect, what is culturally appropriate and background cultural information of the Yolgnu people.

-An enormous thankyou to Howard for sharing his time and knowledge with us.-

!! 19 sleeps to go !!

!!  only....19 sleeps to go  !!

The countdown is on for our very first Mount Scopus Cultural Exchange Program to Elcho Island (Galiwin'ku), part of the Arnhem Land indigenous region.  This exciting program creates an Australian based alternative to the existing Mount Scopus Cambodia Year 9 Community and Service trip.  The value in this Cultural Exchange is proving immeasurable, as students are learning about the culture of the Yolngu people and will soon be authentically immersed in this indigenous community that maintains a strong cultural identity and where English is a second language.

By living alongside the people of Elcho Island, students will be exposed to the Yolngu people’s language, Arts and culturally specific practices and traditions such as fibre dying and weaving and indigenous dance.  Our aim is for our students to use their own talents, aspects of Jewish values, share cultural resources and exchange friendships, rather than donate money. 

Co-ordinators Bianca Kawalec and Yvonne Lewis along with our Mashgiach Ittay Flescher, are currently running an induction program that exposes students to various aspects of what they will encounter, and then facilitate student led (and teacher guided), development of a culturally sensitive and respectful cultural exchange program.

Students are very excited as the departure date draws close.

Elcho Island Cultural Exchange Program 2011:  26^th -30^th of June