The Djilak-Djirri Project

Students from lower socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds have been shown to cultivate and exhibit positive behaviours when they become associated with social and emotional health and well-being programs (Brown, 2004). In spite of this, low SES schools are often incapable of offering such programs due to innumerable sociocultural, economic and political reasons (OECD, 2012). This program will endeavour to develop progressive and collective relationships with students from a lower SES background by providing the means to confront and manage the social and emotional challenges faced by school staff and students. The Djilak-Djirri will therefore provide more equitable prospects for marginalised and underprivileged students.
Why is a program like this required?
As Bronfenbrenner (1986)
Translated into English from the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People, Djilak-Djirri means simply, "play".
The Djilak-Djirri project is a physical, social and emotional well-being program designed to enhance the lives of low SES Primary School students between the grades of 4, 5 and 6. The plan ventures to enthuse and encourage low SES students and arm them with the means to realistically deal with the innumerable challenges that their low economic status provides them on a daily basis.
As Australian education moves into the twenty-first century and whilst it provides for the ‘ideas boom’ to come, there is an obligation on the country and educational institutions to the improvement of the health and well-being of low SES students. As Jennifer Strauss (2012, p. 2) states,
‘…for the sake of Australia’s economic well-being, which requires an increasingly skilled workforce, and for the sake of its social justice and harmony, which require that all citizens have opportunities to develop their capacities as fully as possible, not just for economic advantage but also for the satisfaction of their individual psychological and emotional