Essendon legend Michael Long and his charity The Long Walk are embarking on another epic journey to put First Nations people on the national curriculum.
Founded in 2004 following Long’s inspirational walk to Canberra to advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians, The Long Walk has ambitions to reach every classroom in Australia through its flagship education program Walk the Talk.
The program aims to become the first digital-based national education platform that teaches the true and powerful history of our First Nations people to teachers and students.
“My initial goal in 2004 was to get the issues of our Indigenous people on the national agenda. It’s now time to take the next big step - to bring First Nations people from the national agenda to the national curriculum,” Long said.
“We want to get Walk the Talk into every school across the country and empower teachers to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in their classrooms. Education builds understanding and empathy, which is the key to achieving genuine change and reconciliation.
“Children and young people are our future leaders. They want to learn, they want to connect and they want to drive positive social change. This is not just about Indigenous Australia and non-Indigenous Australia, this is a critically important opportunity for all of Australia to unite and walk forward together.”
The Long Walk in Perth launched ? pic.twitter.com/bKJrKHxNGT
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) June 4, 2021
To achieve this vision, The Long Walk is embarking on another inspirational target - to raise $1m to support the rollout of Walk The Talk across Australian schools.
These funds will allow The Long Walk, with the support of key specialist partners, to develop a landmark education program that educates teachers and students on our pathway to true national reconciliation.
As Essendon members, we’re calling on your unwavering support to again walk alongside Long, as he launches this important fundraising initiative at tonight’s Dreamtime in Perth match.
Please click here or text ‘WALK’ to 0400 662 662 to provide a tax-deductible donation to The Long Walk today to help Long achieve this inspirational vision.
