Stronger Together: Mary Ward International, The Loreto Sisters and the Aurora Education Foundation Partner to Support First Nations Students

Mary Ward International and the Loreto Sisters are proud to announce a six-year partnership with the Aurora Education Foundation (Aurora), a First Nations organisation dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve their educational and employment goals on their own terms. Aurora works alongside existing structures, placing culture and identity at the centre of learning so that students can build confidence, pursue their aspirations, and realise their full potential.

Education has always been central to the Loreto tradition. From the vision of Mary Ward to the pioneering spirit of Mother Gonzaga Barry and the leaders of today, Loreto women have long held education as the pathway to justice. This partnership builds on that legacy by standing alongside First Nations young women as they shape their own futures.

Our Shared Commitment in Action

Together, we will focus on two key programs: Aurora’s High School Program and the Redefining Indigenous Success in Education (RISE) Project. Both initiatives place culture, identity, and wellbeing at the heart of education, walking with students throughout their high school journey as they consider their pathways to further study and employment.

The High School Program supports students from Year 7 through to their first year beyond school with tutoring, cultural enrichment, and tailored support such as Aurora Support Plans to purchase necessary items like uniforms and Wi-Fi. Guided by Elders, mentors and staff, the Program helps students strengthen identity, build confidence, and pursue their aspirations.

RISE is a five-year study creating Australia’s first large-scale dataset on Indigenous education outcomes. By evaluating three models of Aurora’s High School Program with over 500 students (growing to 800 by 2027), RISE is uncovering which supports —academic, cultural, or wellbeing —make the greatest difference. These insights will guide future investment and help shape more effective pathways for future students.

Shared Reflections

“Partnership has always been at the heart of our mission,” said Kirstin Del Beato, Executive Officer at Mary Ward International. “We know that lasting change comes from listening, providing women with the tools to learn, and lifting them up so their voices are heard. Our work with Aurora continues that approach, placing First Nations voices at the centre and ensuring young women have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

“First Nations young women already carry knowledge, resilience and vision for their futures. Our task is not to direct them, but to listen, to walk beside them, and to support the paths they choose. In working with Aurora, we are reminded that education is not an act of charity, it is justice in action,” said Sr Libby Rogerson ibvm.

“Mary Ward International and the Loreto Sisters’ partnership with Aurora is built upon the shared goal of creating a more equitable society by supporting pathways to accessible education. Aurora is deeply appreciative of this partnership and looks forward to continuing to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people throughout its duration,”

Looking Ahead

Over the next six years, these projects will accompany hundreds of students through their school years, connect families with critical support, and generate new evidence through the RISE Project to shape the future of Indigenous education in Australia.

Together, Mary Ward International, the Loreto Sisters and Aurora are proving that education changes lives. Because strong women build strong communities.

Learn more about this partnership and how you can support young women on their journeys here.