But this is what the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience’s (AIME) Stephen Mitchell said he wanted his graduating Year 12 students to do.

“I just want them to dream, believe and achieve,” the South Coast centre manager said.

“Indigenous kids are born superheroes, we simply show them how to fly.”

The graduation ceremony was held in Bega on June 24, attended by Thomas Francis, Saphron Scott, Briannah Foster and Declan Bower-Scott of Bega High School, Natalee Cumberland and Bradley Chalker of Eden Marine High School and Mozes Olsen of Bombala High School. 

Each student’s name was read out and they were clapped by an audience as they received their jumpers and certificates. 

Thomas and Mozes started AIME in Year 9 and were part of the first group to continue with the program through to Year 12 since it started in Bega four years ago. 

Before Thomas started AIME, he was considering dropping out of school. 

“Now I’ve decided I want to go get my HSC and finish school,” he said. 

Mozes was also planning on leaving school before he started the program. He now wants to finish his HSC, although he was not looking forward to the final exams. 

“But once it’s over then I’ll feel pretty happy with myself,” he said. 

Both said AIME was a great program and had provided a lot of support. 

“I think it’s a really good course to go through,” Mozes said.

“It really helps with motivation, helping Indigenous students get through high school.” 

After school he thought he would go into the workforce, then maybe travel overseas or go to university.

AIME also helped to inspire Thomas to chose a career in education. 

“They are helping me follow my dream to go to uni and become a primary school teacher,” Thomas said. 

“I’m pretty good with kids; I grew up in a big family and want to help educate the next generation.”