FIVE local schools have received funding from the state government’s latest round of Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) grants.

Open to all WA primary and secondary schools as well as Department of Education-funded kindergartens, the program empowers reconciliation through education by delivering initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal cultural learning.

In the latest round, $192,667 was shared between 41 WA schools with Swan View primary school receiving $4100, the Australian Islamic College $5000, Chidlow PS $4000, Aveley North PS $5000 and Ballajura Community College $5000.

Swan View PS corporate services manager Vanya Thomas said this year they were inviting the Binar dance crew to the school and holding a morning tea for their Indigenous families.

“We will also have rotating activities for the students during the day,” she said.

Australian Islamic College chief executive officer Abdullah Khan said they had used the grant to recently engage in a shared learning experience with Whadjuk man Justin Martin.

“An Aboriginal artwork specialist from Djurandi Dreaming, Justin’s traditional lands span the Perth metropolitan region and a large part of the mid-west of Western Australia, making him part of both the Noongar and Yamatji nations,” Mr Khan said.

“As Muslims, we are reminded of the deep connection between people and their land through the Arabic proverb, ‘Love of one’s homeland is part of faith’.

“This shared value reminds us to honour, respect and care for the lands we live on and the rich histories they hold.”

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said the PALS program was administered by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport and gave schools the opportunity to learn directly from Aboriginal knowledge holders and communities, helping students better understand the cultural heritage that shapes Western Australia.

“These projects allow students to connect with country, language, stories and artistic traditions in meaningful ways while building respectful partnerships with local Aboriginal people,” Mr Punch said.

“The WA government is proud to support schools across metropolitan and regional WA as they continue to strengthen cultural learning and advance reconciliation.”

For more information on the PALS program go to their website.