"It was such a great experience to learn about the school and have a chance to read with the children. This will always be a highlight of the trip for me."

Judy Lovelace—Shoreline, Washington

Yipirinya School

Dating back perhaps 70,000 years, the world's oldest civilization—the Aborigines—had Australia all to themselves until the 16th century. Throughout their long history, the Aborigines have forged a strong culture. Unhappy that mainstream schools didn't teach their children their language or their spiritual link with the land, parents of Aboriginal schoolchildren in Alice Springs founded their own school in 1978.

Located in the heart of the remote Outback, the Yipirinya School was established as a bicultural, bilingual pre-school and daycare center and is one of the first independent schools in Australia. The school is dedicated to preserving Aboriginal language, traditions, and culture, and our funds sponsor a "Senior Teacher" role—a position designed to provide mentoring and assistance to all classrooms and language teachers and to assist with teacher training.

School in session:

Year round, with vacation periods from late March through early April, late June through early July, late September through early October, and early December through late January

Gifts to bring if you're visiting:

• Workbooks
• Pens and pencils
• Shoes
• Clothing