Leadership Programs
SEDA College NT is passionate about growing young leaders in our community.
Student Leadership Program
The Student Leadership Program allows students to develop leadership
skills and contribute to the College community. Two students from each class are selected based on applications and staff feedback, promoting initiative and responsibility. Throughout the year, participants engage in workshops, guest speakers, team-building activities, and community initiatives, while taking leadership roles in events and assemblies. This experience fosters confidence, resilience, communication, and teamwork skills as students learn to lead by example.
Students within the program are exposed to a range of activities such as:
- Leaders Lunch
- Guest speakers
- Couch Surfing - Anglicare
- Kakadu Leaders Camp
- Lake Argyle Reward Trip
- Leaders Training
- Jatbula Hike
I like the less “traditional” way of learning. It seems school is made for making workers, SEDA is for making leaders.
— 2024 SEDA College NT Caregiver via Semester 1 Caregiver Survey
Indigenous Leadership Program
The Indigenous Leadership Program provides students with unique opportunities to participate in a range of activities throughout the year, focusing on developing their cultural understanding and identity. The Indigenous Leadership Program is developed with our industry, educational and community partners to educate and empower our Indigenous students to realise their potential. SEDA College offers our Indigenous students:
- The opportunity to strengthen their cultural identity
- Regular Indigenous Leadership Program activities
- Pathways and connections to higher education
- Skills to gain meaningful employment
- Engagement in Indigenous community activities
Our College partners with SEDA Colleges across Australia to strengthen connections with Indigenous communities and provide students with opportunities to travel, learn and engage with different cultures. Through the National Indigenous Leadership Camp, students deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while developing leadership skills, community connections, and pathways to further education and employment.
A key aspect of the program is to develop the next generation of young Indigenous leaders and role models and to create a strong connection to the community. While identifying tailored pathways for our students into higher education or employment, we aim to mentor and support our Alumni to increase their chances of success.
I started my SEDA journey in 2015 when I joined the program as a student in Year 11. Prior to SEDA, my high school experience wasn’t positive; I was labelled an at-risk student and highly disengaged. SEDA was my fresh start; from completing the first week at SEDA my whole mindset and attitude changed. The one-teacher model saved me, I struggled in my previous school to build a relationship with all 7 teachers for one day. Building a relationship with one teacher meant I could have a safe space and a positive relationship, I felt that my education was supported.
— Shontelle Hartog - Indigenous Engagement Coordinator and SEDA Alumni
I completed my Year 12 studies with Francis as my teacher and mentor. Upon graduating from SEDA I spent the following years working within the education system in the Territory. I worked in roles supporting early intervention, parent support, and primary schools and travelled to remote communities. All of these and the continued inspiration from the SEDA College NT team, supported me to commence my Teaching Degree at Charles Darwin University.
I joined the SEDA in 2021 as the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, this role has been a strong passion of mine. I am a Darumbal woman working on Larrakia land, my focus for the First Nations student at SEDA is to support them in their Education, Health & Wellbeing, Career aspirations and largely Cultural Development and Connection.
I understand that our First Nations students will face many changeling factors in their life; my passion and purpose is to be able to see students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. It is a large focus of mine to embed history and safe practices into the program for our First Nations students, it is our identity.