Creating opportunities for cultural learning in care From a commitment to providing a connection to culture for the First Nations child in her care, Sam Sands created the Kauwe Purruna Bush School, which is now helping address gaps in opportunities for cultural learning for other First Nations children in care.
A dedicated foster carer, Sam has welcomed four children into her family long-term, and cared for more than 30 infants in need of emergency or short-term care. One of the children in Sam’s care, a First Nations child, came to her family at 10 days old. At the time, she believed that having done all the training available to her, she was well prepared. “I thought when I took him on that I would just get some artwork, toys, and books connected to his culture, plus I did all the activities and events that Department for Child Protection (DCP) sent us to like Closing the Gap and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day,” Sam said. “But when AnglicareSA sent me to the SNAICC – National Voice for our Children Conference in Darwin in 2023, I was very much in the minority, being non-First Nations.
Foster carer Sam Sands created the Kauwe Purruna Bush School
Kauwe Purruna – meaning Water of Wellbeing – provides a safe space where children in care and their foster families gather to learn on Country with Elders and cultural leaders sharing knowledge through art, language, storytelling, and connection to land.
“While I was there, I heard that to have a First Nations child in care with a non-First Nations family could be detrimental if it wasn’t done right. “So, I decided that I was really going to listen and learn how I could make this a positive experience for my foster child.”
A day at the Zoo
On a warm and sunny Monday in January, the Adelaide Zoo became a place of connection, growth, and shared joy for young people supported through AnglicareSA’s Newly Arrived Youth Service (NAYS) and Reconnect programs.
Supported by the Participation and Wellbeing team, 15 young people were able to step away from formal service settings and into a space where relationships with the Youth Services team could grow naturally. Walking side by side, they shared conversations, laughter, and moments of discovery. Some siblings were able to spend time together, enjoying the day as a family and strengthening bonds in a fun, relaxed environment.
For many, the highlight was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hand-feed giraffes while one young person shared their excitement at seeing some of their favourite animals, including African grey parrots, red pandas, and otters. These experiences are powerful as they allow young people to experience the joy of life, the wonder of new things, and the magic that every child deserves.
3
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker