An initiative fostering curiosity and confidence through learning beyond the classroom in a social housing setting as well as a Bush School keeping First Nations children in care connected to culture were celebrated at the annual Anglicare Australia Awards.

Believe Housing Australia (BHA) was awarded the Innovation category at the prestigious awards for its involvement in Children’s University, a program partnering with schools, local organisations, and community centres to offer activities that encourage children aged between 5 and 14 to explore their interests, accumulate hours of learning, and earn stamps in their “Passport to Learning”.

Believe Housing Australia Executive General Manager, Housing Services, Stacey Northover, said BHA was thrilled to be recognised with the Innovation category.

“This program has truly dismantled the barriers faced by children living in affordable housing,” she said.

“Our initial group of 20 participants is now more engaged with their education, and families have forged meaningful connections.

“As their children progress alongside other families, we witness the fostering of social cohesion and the creation of lasting learning opportunities.”

Meanwhile, AnglicareSA’s Foster Care Services team was recognised with a Highly Commended award in the Reconciliation category for the Kauwe Purruna Bush School, which works to address gaps in opportunities for cultural learning for First Nations children in care.

The Bush School was the vision of AnglicareSA foster carer Samantha Sands, who wanted the First Nations child in her care to remain deeply connected to culture, community, and Country. She partnered with AnglicareSA cultural practitioners, the Salvation Army, and local First Nations organisations to develop the weekly sessions.

Kauwe Purruna provides a safe space where children in care and their foster families gather to learn on Country with Elders and cultural leaders sharing knowledge through art, language, storytelling, and connection to land.

AnglicareSA Chief Executive Officer Grant Reubenicht paid tribute to the teams being the awards successes which showcased and celebrated their passion and dedication to innovation, service delivery, and culture – ultimately serving our South Australian community.

“By providing opportunities for learning and success outside of the classroom as well as strengthening tenant relationships, Believe Housing Australia has created a sustainable, scalable model that showed education can be a vehicle for inclusion and social change,” he said.

“The Kauwe Purruna Bush School meanwhile is a grassroots act of reconciliation, strengthening cultural identity for First Nationals children but also empowering carers to support that cultural learning.

“I am proud that our people and programs are being recognised at the highest level nationally within Anglicare – further evidence that together we do change lives.”