By BRIDGET SCOTT
WHAT would you do if you were the country’s first Indigenous Prime Minister?
This is the question that Indigenous students in schools around the City of Casey were asked and one particular student had a very insightful answer.
Drew Paten from Hampton Park Secondary College spoke about a country with equal rights and no discrimination, and this touching speech may just take him to Sydney.
The 16-year-old is among eight students from his school taking part in a program initiated by the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME).
Since starting in 2005, AIME has engaged thousands of indigenous students from across the country, and Hampton Park Secondary was one of the first schools in the state to take part in this program.
Wannike Co-ordinator at the school Jacqui Wright explained that the program is designed to keep Aboriginal students in school.
“It keeps Indigenous children engaged,” she said.
“It’s been a fantastic success and has built self-confidence.”
As part of this program, students are paired with mentors who not only help the children with their schoolwork, but introduce them to life at university.
Recently, students were asked to form an impromptu speech acting as the country’s first indigenous Prime Minister.
Drew’s inspiring speech formed part of a program called ‘The Other Election’ which includes around 600 students from across the state.
Drew said he would like to see equal opportunities for all.
“Imagine if all young Indigenous Australians had the chance to go to school and have an education,” he asked his peers.
“Imagine if everyone had the same fighting chance as the person sitting next to you.”
Ms Wright from the school was proud to hear Drew’s speech and said he was polling very well in terms of votes on Friday.
Drew said he had enjoyed taking part in the AIME program and it had helped him become more familiar with his own background.
“We get to learn more about our culture and feel more comfortable with it,” he said.
A mentor from AIME, Mihiri Weerasuria, commended the program that she has been part of for the past year.
“I think it’s a great idea and it gets young people involved,” she said.
“It breaks down any barriers and gives them confidence.”
Ms Wright said Drew would find out if he was made a finalist for his speech in the next few days.
Drew finished his speech by saying ‘he is here to support every person from the tip of Australia, to the bottom of each of every individual’s heart.’
