Indigenous Mothers' Aspirations for Their Children in Perth, Western Australia: The Value of Education and Schooling

Helen Lette; Edouard Tursan d'Espaignet; Linda Slack-Smith; Kerry Hunt; Janine Nannup

doi:10.1375/S1326011100000600

Authors

Helen Lette The University of Western Australia
Edouard Tursan d'Espaignet The University of Western Australia
Linda Slack-Smith The University of Western Australia
Kerry Hunt The University of Western Australia
Janine Nannup The University of Western Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1375/S1326011100000600

Abstract

This project involved the collection of stories about the aspirations, goals and strategies from a sample of mothers of Indigenous children living in Perth, Western Australia. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews indicated that the education of their children was important for many of the mothers. Whilst some of the mothers preferred their children to learn about their Indigenous history, culture and identity, others valued the type of education that emanates from a mainstream-style school system. A major theme was a need for schools to partner with Indigenous parents in the decision-making process to engage the families in a positive education experience.

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