Singing Out Book cover image

In June and July 2008, Side by Side Community Project Consulting and Jalaris Aboriginal Corporation partnered with The Neighborhood Story Project in running a book-making workshop for Aboriginal ladies from Derby. The project was to put together a book of stories about women’s experiences of education and learning using writing, interviewing and photography, and forms part of the community-based research on issues for Indigenous kids and families in Derby on which Jalaris and Side by Side are collaborating. The hope was that the stories would contribute to better understanding and knowledge of the diverse influences on Indigenous educational experiences in the Derby region today.

The project drew on the Neighborhood Story Projects model of community writing and interviewing, and the methods of participatory photography and story telling of Side by Side and Jalaris. Over an intensive month 7 women ranging in age from 21 to 60 years old wrote stories about themselves and their lives and took photographs to accompany their stories. The 7 writers selected, interviewed & photographed 7 other women in the Derby community who’s stories of education and learning they felt should be included in the book.

The final product was launched in November 2008 in Derby, Western Australia. Follow this link to hear a radio interview from local Derby station 6DBY about the Singing Out book launch, which includes readings from some of the writers.  The book is not for sale, however limited copies are available through Jalaris Aboriginal Corporation, Side by Side Community Project Consulting & the Neighborhood Story Project.

You can see selected pages from Carlene Wises story below:

singingout pg 68

singingout pg 69

singingout pg 74

singingout pg 75

Participatory Action Research has been defined as:

“…inquiry by ordinary people acting as researchers to explore questions in their lives, recognise their resources, and produce knowledge, and take action to overcome inequalities often in solidarity with external supporters”

(Dickson, G 2000. Aboriginal Mothers’ experience with health promotion and participatory action research, Qualitative Health Research, 10(2):1888-213)

 Another definition of Action Research is:

“A way for people to participate in a reflective practice that allows change and understanding to occur at the same time. It aims to improve practice, address problems and promote ongoing learning. Action research moves through cycles of Planning, Acting, Observing and Reflecting. The aim is for understanding of the local situation to increase over time and for action to be improved and adapted through applying this learning. Action research is collaborative and participatory, usually including everybody who has a stake in the action.”