Tiwi Island student receives top award

Going to school every day and continued support from her parents and teachers helped Tiwi islands student Jericka Mungatopi win the Northern Territory Board of Studies 2014 Telstra Remote Indigenous Student Award

This award recognises the highest achievement by an Indigenous student receiving the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) while studying in a remote location.

“Studying in a remote location is good, you get to stay in your community with your family, friends and culture,” Jericka said.

“You have a small class and get to work more closely with your teachers and the other students. I also got to go on study camps to Darwin which was good.”

Jericka’s family encouraged her to go to school every day and keep doing her school work. She also received ongoing support from her teachers, both during class and after school with assignments.

“It is important to attend school every day to help you learn and get a good education so you can get a good job when you finish school to help support your family,” Jericka said.

“When I was in year 12 I was motivated to come to school because I wanted to finish year 12 and get my NTCET to make my family proud and help me get a good job.”

Jericka graduated from Xavier Catholic College Wurrumiyanga last year and is now working at the school as an assistant teacher while studying to become a qualified teacher.

She said she knew that without education she would not have the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

Xavier teacher Tahnee Gale said Jericka was a role model in her community who encouraged kids to go to school and do their work so they can finish year 12, get a good job and make their families and community proud.