Participants from the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program in Casuarina and Palmerston proudly presented heartfelt gifts to The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training during his recent visit to Darwin.
The gifts, a collaborative painting titled Monsoonal Messengers and handcrafted candle, were created by SEE art class participants as a final project before the STEPS SEE Program’s end-of-year celebration.
The acrylic painting captures the essence of the Northern Territory’s unique landscape: a lone hunter standing against a backdrop of vivid blue sky, pandanus trees and tall grass while birds soar overhead, heralding the arrival of monsoon season.
In addition to the painting, the participants from the SEE Program in Palmerston crafted a candle featuring dot-painted footsteps, symbolising their learning journey. Everyone worked together to choose the concept and colours, ensuring that everyone in the class left their mark on the final design.
Every element of the gifts reflect qualities that our participants have embraced throughout their learning journeys: patience, resilience and growth. These themes mirror the goals of the STEPS SEE Program, designed to empower individuals to develop their English language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills while fostering confidence and community connection.
Participant Jemma reflected on the moment the Minister received the gift.
“The Minister looked at each of us before saying, ‘This painting is important to me.’ I could not have been happier to hear those lovely words spoken with such genuineness.”
We thank Minister Giles for joining our celebration and recognising the incredible efforts of our STEPS SEE Program participants.
Take your next step with the STEPS SEE Program
The STEPS SEE Program is designed to help people develop essential language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills, as well as their self-confidence and independence. Through personalised support and practical learning, STEPS is creating opportunities that change lives—all at no cost to participants.
We have several sites across the Northern Territory and regional Queensland, ready for you to start anytime.
Talk to our friendly team today by calling 1300 131 965 or emailing see@stepsgroup.com.au, or visit our SEE Program webpage for more information.
