Students from Ashburton Drive Public School in Perth and Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Peel are discovering respect and friendship, becoming malpas (mates) and growing as leaders thanks to the Malpa Young Doctors for Life program. The program empowers Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students aged between nine and 12 to take control of their health and help shape better health outcomes for their families and communities.
Over the course of the 15-week program, the students learn hands-on skills from Aboriginal Elders, doctors and paramedics in health leadership, nutrition, hygiene, and social and emotional well-being.
The program was introduced into schools in the region by Earbus Foundation of WA, a children's charity that works to reduce the incidence of middle ear disease in Aboriginal and at-risk children in WA. The Malpa program has benefited from a grant provided by global charity, Alcoa Foundation, which will assist Aspen Medical Foundation to continue working with Malpa, which it has done for more than a decade.
Aspen Medical Foundation Chair Sian Keys said the program focuses on a wide range of health issues, identifying solutions and dreaming of what the future holds.
“Because the projects are locally designed and delivered, it is a chance for communities to celebrate their shared achievement and commissioning the Young Doctors to be influencers in their community to bring about better health futures for everyone,” Ms Keys said.
Chief Executive Officer of Malpa Don Palmer said, "We are so grateful for the teachers and educators at Ashburton and Djidi Djidi for welcoming the Malpa program into their schools and making the program their own. We are incredibly proud of the kids and look forward to continuing the program and training more Young Doctors throughout 2025."
Kayla Branch, Alcoa Foundation’s Senior Program Manager, travelled from the United States to see the program in action.
“It was inspiring to spend time learning alongside the Young Doctors about the traditional ways and healthy habits. There is clearly much comradery amongst them and much admiration for their teacher. It was also uplifting to see alumni of the program come back to visit the classroom,” Ms Branch said.
To date, the program has been delivered to more than 4,000 students across Australia. A further 825 children will join the program in 2025, including additional programs at Ashburton Drive Public School, Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and Waroona District High School in the South West.
