Founded just five years ago, Ngutu College in Adelaide’s west simply wouldn’t exist if people weren’t willing to give.

A longtime public school principal, Andrew Plastow founded Ngutu College due to the growing sense that too many young people — particularly Aboriginal kids — were being lost in the traditional education system.

“I wanted to be part of the solution in improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal young people, while doing that alongside their non-Aboriginal peers in a genuine act of reconciliation,” says Andrew, who is now Ngutu’s Head of College.

Today, Ngutu College is a socially just, independent kindergarten to Year 12 college on Kaurna Country, embedding Aboriginal ways of being and learning within the formal western curriculum. More than 300 young people are enrolled, with just more than half identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

When he first contemplated the idea of starting a new school, Andrew approached Geoff Day and his Day Family Foundation to ask whether he’d support a music program if the College were to open. The answer was ‘yes,’ and that early commitment quickly became a catalyst for much more.

Geoff helped connect Andrew with key board members, including current chair Catherine Baldwin AM, and played a foundational role in building the governance, credibility and momentum needed to turn the idea into a registered, functioning college.

“Very quickly, it became clear that none of this, from the vision to the buildings, programs and people, would be possible without philanthropy,” Andrew says.

Early donors and social impact investors stepped in when the College had no assets and no access to traditional finance. Volunteers contributed countless hours — from Andrew himself working unpaid for 18 months to supporters curating and sorting thousands of donated books in the College’s library, and even pro bono architectural and design expertise.

That generosity has shaped the College’s most powerful outcomes — particularly for young people whose opportunities might otherwise be limited.

On site at Ngutu College is Ngani Café which operates as both a public-facing business and the College’s internal canteen, while employing and training young people. A social enterprise, it was funded through an Impact 100 grant and matched philanthropic support.

“It is near impossible for Aboriginal youth to get employment so the café creates a safe, caring environment where they can gain skills, confidence and real work experience,” says Andrew.

Through the café, more than 30 young people are now employed and paid award wages. One of them, employed at just 15 years old, became the first person in his family, generationally, to have a paid job.

“That single opportunity changes the trajectory of a family,” Andrew says. “It creates independence, pride and aspiration for the future.”

Philanthropy is also helping shape the next generation of educators. Through generous donations and grants, Ngutu College employs Aboriginal education support officers while funding their university teaching degrees.

“You can’t be what you can’t see,” Andrew says. “We currently have four Aboriginal staff studying teaching degrees, supported entirely through philanthropic funding.”

When they graduate, those four individuals will increase South Australia’s Aboriginal teacher population by three per cent — a profound impact from a relatively small group.

“They’ll go on to inspire countless young people,” Andrew adds. “That ripple effect is extraordinary.”

Andrew says giving in all its forms, including volunteering, in-kind support, donations and grants, has created a special place for more than 300 young people.

“It has and continues to provide equitable opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.”

This SA Giving Week, explore the many different ways you can give and make a difference. Every gift, big or small, helps grow our culture of giving.

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