The Yawardani Jan-ga (which means “good feeling from horses”) program, which is supported by Mary MacKillop Today in partnership with Murdoch University, is providing a light at the end of tunnel for young Aboriginal people navigating the hurdles of adolescence.
The program, which is owned, developed and facilitated by Aboriginal community members, involves the use of horses to engage at-risk Aboriginal young people in learning a variety of transferable social and emotional life-skills so that they can re-engage and thrive in their education.
Young people like 10-year-old Kirra*, who came to the program after experiencing family trauma. Kirra’s first encounter at Yawardani Jan-ga was with Awesome, a gorgeous chestnut horse who calmly let her climb aboard.
As Kirra straightened and steadied herself, a somewhat nervous smile developed, and a few giggles emerged as she looked down at Professor Juli Coffin who stood beside her and Awesome.
Since Juli founded Yawardani Jan-ga, an Equine Assisted Learning Program, in 2019, she has witnessed this heartwarming scene hundreds of times. But it never gets old for Juli.
“How does that feel?” Juli asked with a grin.
“Weird, but cool,” Kirra responds
For Kirra and so many other young Aboriginal people living in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the horses offer a calming presence they have rarely experienced.
The young people who attend the program are often dealing with difficult issues, like social anxiety or feelings of isolation, but they find a unique connection in the gentle spirits of the horses. There is an unconditional expression of acceptance given by the horses which allows them to feel like they can relax and be themselves.
“Horses don’t carry a yarn. There’s never those judgements. It’s never false. All they respond to is your vibration and your energy and what you’re putting out,” Juli says.
One of Juli’s colleagues, Murray, previously worked as a custodial officer and has witnessed first-hand how many young people from his community were coming through the correctional system.
As Murray says, “They’ll tell you how they’re growing up, and it really hurts you when you hear the stories coming out. That’s when I told myself I need to find a job where I’m actually out there with these kids…
“It’s not going to work right away, but if you can do something positive with them where they feel loved and you show them you really care about them, you care what they do, you want to see them succeed. If they can see a light and a guidance along the way, I know they’ll take that positive road.”
Over 700 young Aboriginal people have benefited from the Yawardani Jan-ga program. The overwhelming impact has led Juli to begin developing a new site which will double the capacity of the healing program.
Juli has seen how many young lives have been transformed through Yawardani Jan-ga. But she knows there are so many more vulnerable children who are longing for the type of healing the horses can provide.
Generous people like you are helping us to walk alongside Juli and support the amazing work she and her team are doing in the Kimberley.
Your tremendous kindness to Mary MacKillop Today is making a real difference for so many lives, here in Australia and abroad. Thank you so much for your unwavering support!
*Name changed to protect privacy
