Young, Indigenous females are reaping the rewards of being involved in the Adelaide Crows Foundation’s second Kuwa Circles program, finding employment after completing the course.

Across four intensive weeks, 12 female students took part in the specialist sports and cultural curriculum designed to encourage a greater understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) principles.

Participants were mentored by AFLW premiership player Danielle Ponter and other experienced foundation employees.

Off the back of its success, the Crows Foundation, in collaboration with Workskil Australia, the Stronger Smarter Institute, Tauondi Aboriginal Community College and Flow Power, is now preparing to launch a Kuwa Circles program for young, Indigenous men.

Meika Bright took part in the Kuwa Circles Indigenous women’s program earlier this year and, together with Della Graham, will begin work at the Ayers Rock Resort.

Speaking to AFC Media, Meika said she was grateful for the opportunities that had arisen through involvement in the Kuwa Circles program.

“It gave me a chance to speak to other Indigenous females and it was really beneficial,” Meika said.

“Through the course, I was able to get a job in Uluru, so I’ll be up there for about a year and I’ll get my Cert III in hospitality.

“It’s a really good Cert to have and it’s an opportunity to be more independent and meet more people.

“The Kuwa Circles program really helped with that and if I didn’t do that, I probably wouldn’t have the confidence to go out to a new state and live by myself.”

Kuwa (the Kaurna word for Crow) Circles is an industry and education collaboration between the Adelaide Crows Foundation, Stronger Smarter Institute and Workskil Australia, who have identified several key barriers that impact Indigenous women to access careers education and pathways, particularly in STEM careers.

The men’s program, which is set to begin later this year, will give an opportunity for 20 young Indigenous men to be involved, with an aim of supporting their journey from school to employment.

Applications for the men’s Kuwa Circles program are now open.

For details on how to apply, click here.