Connecting Our Way (CoW) is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander -led program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5 to 12. It is inspired by CI Cameron's Connecting to Culture Project (C2CP), originally run on Wadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia, which supported the wellbeing of children and their families through a program grounded in local culture.
Cow aims to build confidence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, teach emotional regulation and mindfulness through connection to culture, as well as building a positive connection with identity and cultural spirit, filling a gap in programs and services available to support the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Islander children aged 5-12 years. CoW is focused on creating a culturally infused sense of belonging that will enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's mental health and well-being and increase their attachment to a community to support healing against any traumas experienced, for example, bullying, disconnection from culture, lateral violence.
This program of work will collaboratively customise the CoW core program to suit cultural needs at two partner sites, implement the locally-tailored program at each site, and evaluate this process. By establishing a program that is feasible, evidence-based, locally built, CoW has the scope for broad-scale implementation, and the opportunity to enhance social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children more widely.
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