Cultural, Identity & Leadership Program (CIL)
Culture, Identity & Leadership (CIL)
Culture, Identity & Leadership (CIL) is Mät Foundation’s in-school program. It has been delivered in government schools, including Truganina P-9 School and Manor Lakes P-12 College, right in the classroom during the school day or after school. It’s led by culturally connected facilitators with lived experience in African and refugee-background communities.
Across the program, students move through six connected modules — exploring identity and heritage, finding their voice, building leadership skills, and strengthening their sense of belonging — before returning to their everyday classroom as stronger, more confident and more connected learners.
What CIL builds
- Pride in identity and culture
- Confidence to speak up and share ideas
- A stronger sense of belonging and inclusion
- Leadership self-belief
- Improved attitudes to school and learning
The impact
A pre/post evaluation of the program at Truganina P-9 School found meaningful gains across every outcome measured, with the average positive response rate rising from 39% to 75%. The biggest gains were in students feeling comfortable sharing their ideas in class (up 59 percentage points) and feeling included by their peers (up 47 percentage points). Nearly all students said sessions were fun and engaging, and 93% said they’d recommend the program to a friend.
In their own words
Students:
- “I learned it’s okay to be myself and I’m good the way I am.” — CIL student, Truganina P-9 School
- “Confidence — I feel more confident to engage in sessions and learning.” — CIL student, Truganina P-9 School
- “When we were learning about leadership it helped me be a better person.” — CIL student, Truganina P-9 School
Teachers/Staff:
- “Their voice is starting to come out.” – Teacher, Truganina P-9 School
- “It would be great to have continuity for the young people because they have really connected with the program.” – Community Liaison Officer, Truganina P-9 School
- “We will definitely be working with your organisation again.” – School Principal, Manor Lakes P-12
Want to bring CIL to your school, or support the program?
Get in touch at info@matfoundation.org.au
