KOWS Inter-School Event – August 2025
Strong culture. Strong kids. Strong futures.
In the months leading up to the KOWS Inter-School Event, students from Yirara College, Yipirinya School and St Joseph’s Catholic Flexible School came together to co-design a symbol that represented strength, culture, and pride. Through yarning circles and creative workshops, students shared stories of Country, family, and identity, which inspired the creation of the KOWS Shoe — a design that celebrates who they are and the future they’re shaping.
The inter-school event in August brought these ideas to life. Students, teachers, NGO’s working alongside Blak Doll Sport & Fitness Mob, P1 Wrestling Academy and Hoops4Health gathered for a day filled with culture, creativity, sport, and connection. Schools collaborated, friendships were formed – the message was clear, that when we invest in our children’s cultural identity and wellbeing, we invest in, safer and stronger futures for everyone.
This event marked an important milestone for KOWS — a demonstration of what can happen when young people are centred, empowered, and supported to lead with culture at the heart of everything.
THE KOWS SHOE – Designed by Aboriginal Students in Mparntwe
This shoe is more than a design — it’s a message from young Aboriginal leaders in the heart of Central Australia.
Created during the KOWS Inter-School Event in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), the artwork represents strength, community, culture and hope. Students from Yipirinya School, Yirara College and St Joseph’s Catholic Flexible School came together with Blak Doll Sport & Fitness Mob, Hoops4Health and P1 Wrestling to speak about what keeps them strong, what keeps them safe and what they want for their futures.
This design emerged from those conversations.
It carries their voice.
It carries their voice.
- *To honour the student artwork, these images have been digitally enhanced so the design can be clearly seen online.