The Girls Academy welcomes the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Girls Academy was delighted to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the Dubbo Senior Campus Girls Academy today.

Prince Harry and Princess Meghan met with students and staff from the Dubbo Senior Girls Academy. Students had the opportunity to showcase the Girls Academy room and share how the program encourages personal and academic achievement; builds confidence; encourages health and wellbeing; and strengthens cultural connection.

Meghan was hailed as a role model by the students. Kieasha Ross, 17, said: “Us being Aboriginal girls and her being of a different race and being accepted into the Royal family shows us anyone can be accepted.

When informed of the Girls Academy motto – “Develop a Girl, Change a community”, Meghan responded enthusiastically to the group, saying: “You’re speaking my language.”

Girls Academy CEO and Founder Ricky Grace said: “We are delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have chosen to visit our Academy and acknowledge the amazing achievements of these students.”

“Our program is making a big difference in the lives of these girls and their communities. In the past year Girls Academy students in NSW have attended class at a rate of up to 13.5% higher than the average for Indigenous students in this state” he said.

Dubbo College Senior Campus Girls Academy studentTiarnie McBride, Year 12, co-conducted the Acknowledgement of Country at the Royal visit.

“I think the Royal visit is an amazing opportunity for myself and other students. I feel very grateful and honoured to do the Acknowledgement of Country and also to welcome the Duchess into the Girls Academy room, where we had the opportunity to represent the Girls Academy and tell her what the Academy is all about.

“Girls Academy has shown me how to look at the positives in life and school and this has helped me immensely. It has given me a new perspective on my education and made me realise how important it is to gain my Higher School Certificate”.