Four of Australia’s most prodigious footballing talents have given their support to AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience), an initiative which supports Indigenous students completing high school.
Four of Australia-s most prodigious footballing talents have given their support to AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience), an initiative which supports Indigenous students completing high school.
Westfield Matildas Lydia Williams and Kyah Simon, Adelaide United captain Travis Dodd and North Queensland Fury-s David Williams have all signed on as ambassadors to wear the red hoodie in support of AIME National Hoodie Day.
Starting back in 2005 when 25 university students put their hands up to work with 25 Indigenous kids in Redfern, AIME now has over 1000 university students putting their hands up to work with close to 1000 Indigenous students across the East Coast of Australia.
Each year AIME measures the progression of students in its program so that it can be accountable to it-s goals of improving school progression rates and university admissions.
“There-s an obvious need for this kind of initiative because for a majority of young indigenous kids finishing high school is a difficult task,” said Lydia Williams.
“AIME provides a great way to keep indigenous kids motivated and help them through what is a difficult period in their life.
“I think seeing successful athletes and media personalities from indigenous backgrounds support this type of program definitely helps kids see their potential and work hard to reach it.
“From personal experience some of my family haven-t completed high school and the difference between the two sides where people have and haven-t completed high school is significant.”
“AIME is a positive program that helps a lot of young indigenous kids get through high school,” said David Williams.
“Role models and mentors can make a huge difference in the life of any young person and when it comes to getting kids a better education I’m behind it all the way.”
AIME National Hoodie Day is 21 July, for more information or to become an AIME Ambassador visit www.aimementoring.com
