As conversations continue around this year's federal budget and Australia's Closing the Gap priorities, we know that there is important work to do. But too often, discussions focus on "what's missing".
At the GO Foundation (GO), we start from a different place: we know that young First Nations students already possess the talent, drive and determination to succeed at whatever path they choose - and with a commitment to always giving back and supporting others around them.
Education for First Nations students is most impactful when it is designed, led and governed by First Nations people and communities. We know what works for our young people, and how to embed our knowledges, values and ways of being into education systems that were not originally built with us in mind.
That's why GO invests back into First Nations young people through Scholarships and Programs created by and for our people - initiatives that foster connection and create spaces where students can share in community, culture and opportunity together.
Since GO launched in 2009, our Program has grown and currently supports over 660 students across 92 schools and 11 universities, expanding from Sydney to Adelaide in 2019 and Canberra in 2020.
Across the country, we continue to see the growing demand for programs that are shaped by and for the communities they serve. And as GO continues to grow, so too does the opportunity to support more Indigenous students through culturally strong, community led education.
At GO, we often say, 'If you can see it, you can be it.' It's a simple idea, but a powerful one. Being Indigenous-led and governed, with more than half of our Board and staff identifying as First Nations, means that Scholars have the opportunity to connect with role models who share their stories and have walked similar paths. These relationships are grounded in trust, shared experience and culture, and remind our young people that their identity and community are foundations for the future they want to create.
Support doesn't stop when a GO Scholarship ends. Through our Alumni Network, former Scholars remain connected to the GO community as they continue pursuing their goals in many different ways.
Some have gone on to university to study medicine, law, technology and the arts, while others have pursued trades, internships and apprenticeships. Every GO Scholar's path looks different, and that's something we're proud of - because success is not one-size-fits all.
While budgets often focus on dollar figures and targets, we know the real measure of impact is the difference they make in people's lives. For us, investing in a Scholarship is never just about a monetary figure - it's about walking alongside our younger generations as they learn, grow and shape lives that reflect their own goals, aspirations and definition of success.
When we invest in our young people for the long term, we invest in the future of our communities. The impact flows across generations, creating opportunities for young people to lead, innovate and continue building strong futures on their own terms.
Adam Goodes is the co-founder of GO Foundation and a proud Adnyamathanha and Narungga man. Charlene Davison is a proud Gadigal and Biripi woman and CEO of GO Foundation.
