The Yiriman Project is a cultural 'youth at risk' program that is hosted by KALACC and coordinates 'back to country trips'. The aim of this project is to get young men and women that are at risk or having problems in community with alcohol, drugs, sniffing, crime or boredom and by removing them away from such processes. The Yiriman project was conceived an developed by elders who are concerned for their young people, particularly when confronted with issues of self harm and substance abuse. It is hoped that the positive experiences of young people on the Yiriman project will help them build stories, strength and resilience upon their return to towns and communities and to live in a healthy way. A major focus is building 'confidence through culture', these experiences often incorporate life skills in youth leadership, land management and community development. The project has been running for 8 years. The Project works with Nyikina, Mangala, Karrajarri, Kurungul, and Walmajarri people.
This project was conceived and developed by the elders from four Kimberly language groups: Nyikina, Mangala, Karajarri and Walmajarri. These old people were concerned for their young people about issues of self harm and substance abuse, and saw the need for a place where youth could separate themselves from negative influences, and reconnect with their culture in a remote and culturally significant place. Through this reconnection young people would gain strength and resilience, and build positive stories which they could take with them back to their towns and communities.
Many years of campaigning by elders of these language groups finally resulted in funding being approved in 2001. After three successful years, funding was renewed and expanded to include a womens project officer in 2004.
The committment of the old people to their young people has allowed them to develop and direct this very unique Yiriman project in a culturally relevant way.
