A simple Territory Government program helped change Keara Baker-Storey’s life – and the lives of the kids under her care at an innovative early childhood initiative.

The Territory Workforce Program helps businesses and organisations develop ways to make the most of job opportunities for Territorians and build a skilled workforce.

Funding is available for initiatives that lead to employment and help train and skill the workforce.

The program helped Keara study, which she is doing while raising two of her children.

She has a Diploma in Project Management and a Certificate III in Sports and Recreation, Early Childhood Education and Care, and is currently studying a Certificate III in Leadership and Management.

Keara started working with the highly-regarded Moriarty Foundation Indi Kindi early childhood program in August 2021 and is now a Team Leader.

“I love my job,” she says. “I get to work with families and children aged 0-5 years.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of working in early childhood education is the chance to create a positive influence in their life.”

Keara admits that studying while being a mum is not easy.

“I can’t sugar coat it, but being a mum is hard but rewarding and studying is hard but rewarding and doing it at the same time is another level, but thankfully I have support from my team, my trainer, family and friends.”

Her ambition is to help children transition into early learning education.

“I aim to achieve this by supporting them through Indi Kindi’s Walking Learning program. My desire is for our children to feel safe and comfortable transitioning from their cultural ways into mainstream education.”

To find out more about the Territory Workforce Program visit the Northern Territory Government website.