Openness the key to a successful partnership

The MaraWay Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrea Jackson has praised the partnership that her organisation has with CQUniversity' stating that openness had been the key to its success.

'Over the past two years we have developed a strong relationship built on openness' trust' shared purpose and values'' Ms Jackson said.

'Both parties commenced this relationship with a clearly articulated desire for a partnership' and it has evolved to be a wonderful' productive partnership that is changing lives.'

The MaraWay is an Indigenous corporation helping all people from all backgrounds across the Cairns community.

Formed in 2002' the organisation helps strengthen communities by empowering individuals and tackling tough social challenges.

A training partnership between CQU and The MaraWay was developed in 2020 and has since been creating opportunities to improve the employment prospects of people in the Cairns region.

'Since the very first time we approached CQUniversity to explore a third-party relationship two years ago' we have been delighted with the willingness of CQUniversity's team to engage with us in collaborative and creative problem-solving to improve outcomes for our students and our respective businesses'' Ms Jackson said.

CQUniversity project lead Yvon Bergmans said The MaraWay and CQUniversity worked closely to recruit' deliver and assess students in partnership.

'The MaraWay trainers deliver the training and CQUniversity is then responsible for the issuance of qualifications' ensuring that all compliance is met under our agreement as well as ASQA requirements'' Ms Bergmans said.

'The CQU courses that The MaraWay currently deliver under our third-party arrangement include Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care' Diploma of Early Childhood and Certificate III in Individual Support.'

The unique delivery model offered by The MaraWay provides valuable opportunities to expand the partnership in the future' to encompass social innovation and research' measuring student outcomes and the impact of The MaraWay approach on student lives' in particular their careers.

Naing Lin studied his CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) through the partnership and said the extra support he received from The MaraWay trainers had been integral to his success.

'I was a little nervous coming into study for the first time' and because English isn't my first language I was worried I wouldn't understand everything. But Helen' my trainer' helped me improve my English and helped me understand or explained things different when I didn't understand'' Mr Lin said.

'Everyone at The MaraWay was so supportive; going into my placement' I felt very confident because Helen and the team had prepared me so much.'

The MaraWay students receive a CQUniversity qualification at the end of their studies.