Strong minds, strong bodies, strong spirits
Friday, 4 Apr 2025
Life Ed NT, in partnership with Katherine West Health Board, recently delivered its impactful ‘Strong Spirits’ program to schools in the Amandbidgi, Bulla, Lajamanu, Kalkarindji, Timber Creek, and Yarralin communities. Over 300 children, young people, and community members participated in these engaging sessions designed to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing.
The Strong Spirit program empowers students to understand the connection between their mind, body, and spirit – the foundation of their overall wellbeing. Through interactive activities and culturally appropriate lessons, students explored strategies on how to keep their spirit strong by connecting with their mob, engaging with country and culture, and adopting healthy habits such as staying active and hydrated.
Delivered by a specialist Life Ed educators, the sessions encouraged students to reflect on what makes their spirit strong. Words like “happy,” “calm,” “grateful,” and “connected” were common responses from students when describing a strong spirit. They also learned to identify early warning signs in their body when something feels wrong and explored the importance of having a “safety team” – five trusted adults they can turn to for help.
The students were really focused during the sessions, asking thoughtful questions about their Strong Spirit. They were eager to create their safety teams and learn how to stay connected to country and culture as part of keeping their spirits strong.
The Strong Spirits sessions covered essential topics such as:
- Recognising early warning signs in the body and understanding the brain-gut connection.
- Differentiating between being alone (a choice) and feeling lonely.
- Building resilience by identifying trusted adults for support.
- Strengthening connections to culture, country, and community as a foundation for wellbeing.
- Developing healthy habits like moving their body regularly, eating nutritious food, and drinking water to support a strong mind and body.
By the end of the sessions, students demonstrated a clear understanding of how to nurture their Strong Spirit through practices that promote their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
Life Ed NT is proud to partner with Katherine West Health Board to deliver this vital program that not only strengthens student wellbeing but also fosters stronger communities across the Northern Territory.
