I'm about to begin a journey but before I do it's important to take a couple of lines to say why I'm able to embark on this journey at all. I work for IBM, and yes, I say that proudly with the reputation still attached to my dreadlocks. For one month, IBM is funding me to live and work in remote indigenous communities as part of the Cape York Program. We have just become involved, inspired by our partner Westpac who have been successfully involved in the program for five years and IBM have entrusted me to co-ordinate our involvement in the program. Corporates aren’t setting the agenda, we are resources, skills, fuelling the bulldozer, cogs spinning in the gear box, while in the driver’s seat sit the indigenous people from Cape York. Noel Pearson, Aboriginal Activist, Head of Indigenous Enterprise Partnership that is partnered with the Cape York Program says -
"The problems that afflict Aboriginal Communities have been well documented. Cape York is no exception. We have here, all of the indicators of a dysfunctional society and, without drastic intervention, this points to a miserable future for our people. We believe that the old ways of addressing these issues haven't worked and in many cases, exacerbated the problems. Over recent years, we have embarked on a process of engaging with communities to develop strategies to crunch these issues, but strategies alone aren't enough. What we really need is willing partners who are prepared to bring their expertise to help us deliver these strategies. "
And this is where we come in. We are the willing partners. Skills for a myriad of projects, anything from putting on a simple theatre production to complex IT and marketing projects. Skills that many of us may take for granted are extremely valuable in Cape York Communities. Pearson believes issues requiring immediate attention are the alcohol epidemic, the passive welfare mentality, health & education, domestic violence and the ability to participate in real work. The Cape York Program is committed to working with Indigenous communities to develop solutions and support programs that foster self-sufficiency.
I leave tomorrow and have the feeling I'm about to enter a very different world. Please, send me comments, ask me questions pass this link on, this is a blog for all eyes. At the end of this, after listening, learning, working, I hope I can say, from me to you, yes, we can make a difference.
"The problems that afflict Aboriginal Communities have been well documented. Cape York is no exception. We have here, all of the indicators of a dysfunctional society and, without drastic intervention, this points to a miserable future for our people. We believe that the old ways of addressing these issues haven't worked and in many cases, exacerbated the problems. Over recent years, we have embarked on a process of engaging with communities to develop strategies to crunch these issues, but strategies alone aren't enough. What we really need is willing partners who are prepared to bring their expertise to help us deliver these strategies. "
And this is where we come in. We are the willing partners. Skills for a myriad of projects, anything from putting on a simple theatre production to complex IT and marketing projects. Skills that many of us may take for granted are extremely valuable in Cape York Communities. Pearson believes issues requiring immediate attention are the alcohol epidemic, the passive welfare mentality, health & education, domestic violence and the ability to participate in real work. The Cape York Program is committed to working with Indigenous communities to develop solutions and support programs that foster self-sufficiency.
I leave tomorrow and have the feeling I'm about to enter a very different world. Please, send me comments, ask me questions pass this link on, this is a blog for all eyes. At the end of this, after listening, learning, working, I hope I can say, from me to you, yes, we can make a difference.
To learn more about the program and affiliated organisations follow the links below:
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