Story Writing in Remote Locations – SWiRL

swirl school student finger painting with yellow and red paint

SWiRL connects preservice teachers with remote Indigenous communities to co-create culturally grounded story books through immersive, place-based learning. The program centres First Nation knowledge and supports participants to reflect critically on colonisation, education, and community partnership.

SWiRL Urapunga students seated in front of colourful mural
About SWiRL
SWiRL school students lying on the ground looking into the distance
SWiRL stories & impact
SWiRL community partners
A group of young people wearing t-shirts with First Nations patterns draw on a classroom floor
SWiRL programs, publications & enquiries

SWiRL in action

swirl school students with pre service teacher reading books in classroomSWiRL school students books swirl school student creating storybook

Displaying image1/3.SWiRL school students with pre-service teacher reading books in classroom

SWiRL communities

Behind SWiRL is a committed community of educators, students and partners who work together to bring the program to life. Explore the stories, relationships and experiences that shape the SWiRL journey.

A group of SWiRL school students greeting the bus in Urapunga a remote community in the NT
Preservice teachers' community experience
The SWiRL program offers preservice teachers an immersive professional experience in remote Northern Territory schools. Over four weeks, participants collaborate with students, educators, and community members to build literacy through storytelling, cultural exchange, and two-way learning.
SWiRL program in India images of children in school and drawings
SWiRL India - International Collaboration
During a 2016 study tour to Visakhapatnam, India, VU pre-service teachers worked with local students on literacy activities and shared student-created artworks.
SWiRL stories & impact
Discover the stories created through SWiRL and the positive impact they have on students, teachers, and communities. These stories highlight culture, connection, and the shared experiences of learning and teaching in remote First Nation communities.

Our community partners

Contact us

For enquiries about participating in or supporting the SWiRL program, please contact: Professor Marcelle Cacciattolo Program Director, SWiRL

marcelle.cacciattolo@vu.edu.au
+61 3 9919 5903