Closing the Gap: Education as a Pathway to Equity

Close the Gap Day: Education as a Pathway to Equity 

I encourage you to open up your heart and mind to do more and understand that Australia needs your help to move towards a country that truly values Aboriginal Histories and Cultures; one that can heal from the devastation of colonisation. 
– Kylie Captain  

Each year, National Close the Gap Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the inequalities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in health, education, and life expectancy, and to commit to real, meaningful change. 

The gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians remains significant despite the strength, resilience, and leadership of Aboriginal communities. 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live, on average, 8 years less  

• Chronic disease, mental health issues, and preventable illnesses continue to disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

• Education and employment gaps remain, limiting opportunities for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Closing the Gap is not just about addressing healthcare inequalities. It’s also about equity in education, employment, and overall wellbeing. Schools, universities, businesses, and community organisations all have a role to play in creating a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else. 

Why Does Closing the Gap Matter in Education? 

Education is a powerful tool for breaking cycles of disadvantage and promoting success. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students continue to face barriers that hinder their ability to thrive, including: 

• Cultural disconnection – Many students do not see themselves, their histories, or their cultures reflected in the curriculum 

• Lack of culturally safe learning spaces – Aboriginal students must feel valued, seen, and supported in school environments 

• Deficit-based mindsets – A long history of stereotyping and low expectations has placed an unfair burden on Aboriginal students 

When Aboriginal histories, cultures, and content are embedded meaningfully in education, students are more engaged, feel a sense of belonging and pride, and develop aspirations for their future. This benefits all students, not just Aboriginal students, by ensuring truth-telling, inclusion, and respect are highlighted. 

Closing the Gap in the Classroom 

Close the Gap Day isn’t just about raising awareness - it’s about taking action. Educators and school leaders can contribute to Closing the Gap in the following ways: 

1. Embed Aboriginal Perspectives in Every Subject 

Rather than viewing Aboriginal education as an "extra," it should be embedded across all learning areas: 

• History, geography and Aboriginal Studies – Teach about Aboriginal resistance, land rights movements, and contemporary leaders 

• Science and technology – Highlight ecological knowledge, bush medicine, and astronomy 

• English and creative arts – Incorporate storytelling, deep listening, and creative works into lessons 

• Mathematics – Explore Aboriginal counting systems, seasonal calendars, and spatial awareness 

Need help getting started? 

I have a free resource on my website featuring Significant Dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Download here.

2. Create a Culturally Safe and  Empowering Space 

Aboriginal students should see themselves as future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Schools can: 

• Provide mentorship and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal students 

• Showcase Aboriginal role models from various professions, including educators, journalists, doctors, and scientists 

• Ensure school staff undertake Cultural Capability Training to create safer, more inclusive learning environments 

3. Build Strong Relationships with Aboriginal Communities 

Every school is on Aboriginal land, and every community has its own unique stories and knowledge. Schools should: 

• Invite Elders, Aboriginal educators, and community members to share stories and perspectives in the classroom 

• Engage in on-Country learning experiences to connect students with local histories and cultures 

• Support Aboriginal-led initiatives and organisations working towards Closing the Gap 

4. Challenge Deficit Narratives and Celebrate Strength 

For too long, conversations about Closing the Gap have focused on disadvantage rather than Aboriginal excellence and leadership. 

Instead of focusing only on gaps, let’s also highlight what’s working. 

Instead of discussing only barriers, let’s celebrate Aboriginal success stories too. 

By taking a strength-based approach, we empower Aboriginal students to see their identity as a source of pride and inspire all students to be part of reconciliation and change. 

Moving Beyond Good Intentions to Meaningful Action 

Closing the Gap is not just an Aboriginal issue - it is an Australian issue. We all have a responsibility to create a fairer, more just society. 

This Close the Gap Day, take action in your school or workplace: 

• Host a Close the Gap event - Hold a yarning circle, an assembly, or a morning tea focused on Aboriginal health and wellbeing 

• Start a conversation - Use videos, articles, and real-life stories to educate staff and students 

• Sign the Close the Gap pledge - Advocate for greater investment in Aboriginal health, education, and employment. 

Will This Be the Generation That Finally Closes the Gap? 

If we ignore the past, we allow ignorance, prejudice, and division to continue. But if we teach the truth, we empower young people to be the change. 

National Close the Gap Day is on Thursday, 20 March 2025. Let’s ensure that this generation is the one that makes Closing the Gap a reality.