Australia:Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, Cairns

2015 Graduates. © Wontulp Bu Buya College

 

This is an ABM Reconciliation
Program: Learn more about
ABM’s Programs here

 

Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, based in Cairns, provides leadership training for indigenous people in the fields of theology, mental health and community development. The College has grown substantially in recent years with five courses now running.

In recent years the delivery of a brand new course Certificate IV Indigenous Mental Health (Suicide Prevention) was possible and over 20 students learnt the knowledge and skills required to work in the field of indigenous mental health, with particular attention to youth suicide prevention involving counselling, youth work and responses to a variety of addictions.

Students are gaining employability skills in communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, learning new ideas and how to accommodate change and technology as well as having obtained their certificate in First Aid.

One student said, “These blocks have changed me so much in my understanding about mental health, with more knowledge and insight into mental health issues.”

Another said, “Having dealt with people through the Cert IV in Indigenous Mental Health who have mental health issues, it is good to know that strategies I have used, is similar to what I am learning.’”

Josephine Gela has been studying with Wontulp now for four years. In this time she has completed her Certificate III in Addictions Management & Community Development; Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Addictions Counselling; and recently completed Certificate IV in Indigenous Mental Health (Suicide Prevention).

It has been through her continuous persistence to better herself that doors have opened in many areas.

One was the opportunity to undertake a role within the College as trainee teacher, in which she has shined to the point that now with all of her experience and knowledge she was blessed with employment within her own community of Thursday Island working in the field of Mental Health.

Your support of Wontulp-Bi-Buya College will continue to help students like Josephine achieve their goals and dreams.

AU014WB needs $55,000 in 2016 (tax-deductible)

 

HOW TO DONATE

You can make an online donation to this project by selecting Australia: Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, Cairns QLD from the full project list.

Alternatively, for donations by cheque/money order (made out to the Anglican Board of Mission – Australia), telephone or email, view contact details here. Please don’t forget to include the project name and/or code with your payment details.

Gifts to ABM will be applied to the support of project(s) selected. In the unlikely event of the project being oversubscribed or not proceeding to completion, donations will be applied to a similar project to the one(s) selected.

 

PROJECT UPDATE

September 2016 – ABM Reconciliation Coordinator, Celia Kemp, recently visited Wontulp-Bi-Buya College. She recounts her impressions of this remarkable place, the passionate people who serve the college, and the strong mandate to support the Development of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander church and community leaders. Read more.

 

 FROM OUR PARTNER

 

September 2016 – The Principal of Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, Rev’d Victor Joseph, speaks about the work of this unique theological institution.

 

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