Henbury School’s new minimart a first for the future for NT students

Darwin’s Henbury School is the first Northern Territory campus to join a national pathways program to support the education of students with disabilities through hands-on learning experiences

less than 2 min read

March 20, 2024 - 11:30AM

Kids News

The first Northern Territory school to join the future pathways program, Henbury School’s “Mini Woolies” opened in Darwin on March 19. Picture: Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths/supplied

One Northern Territory classroom has just reopened as a minimart as part of a national pathways program.

Henbury School in Darwin now has its own “Mini Woolies”, with baskets for fresh food, shelving for groceries, ticketing, signage and uniforms.

The innovative learning space opened on March 19 and aims to support the education of students with disabilities through hands-on experiences.

Henbury’s Years 7-12 students have a range of intellectual disabilities. The school runs a number of later-year programs to build independence and promote positive, post-school pathways.

Henbury School secondary students have a range of intellectual disabilities and later-year programs like this one build confidence, independence and future employment pathways. Picture: supplied/Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths

Henbury School principal Sarah Corry said the school had “a strong focus on building work-ready skills” for life after school.

“Our motto is ‘preparing for future lifestyles’ and we hold the unwavering belief that every student should have the opportunity to have a meaningful pathway, which includes a job,” she said.

“We have a strong connection with the community and are extremely grateful to have Woolworths Group support our goals through the Mini Woolies program. The potential to change lives is real as we engage in the program and build long-lasting relationships with our local Woolworths stores.”

The Mini Woolies program now operates in more than 55 locations across Australia and New Zealand. Over 4000 young people with disabilities have had the opportunity to engage with these learning spaces since the program was established in 2018.