Yawardani Jan-ga, Horses Helping
Our summary
This article describes Yawardani Jan-ga (“Horses Helping” in the Yawuru language in Broome), a Kimberley-based initiative supporting Aboriginal children and young people through equine-assisted learning (EAL). Grounded in cultural governance and on-Country practice, the program works with young people aged 6–26 to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing, leadership, connection, and confidence in a culturally safe environment.
Over 2,000 young Aboriginal people have participated, with reported improvements in school engagement, relationships, confidence, and social inclusion. The initiative has also trained 35 local Aboriginal people in a culturally designed Yawardani Jan-ga EAL curriculum, building local capability and ensuring community ownership. The paper highlights how culturally grounded, relational, and experiential approaches can create meaningful change in wellbeing for Aboriginal youth.
This article is published in the Australian Journal of Community Work, edition 4, which can be accessed below.