The program helping to transform the lives of Aboriginal students

A new program is helping transform the lives of young Aboriginal students in the Northern Territory satellite city of Palmerston.

Local elders have been visiting Rosebery Middle School, mentoring the next generation.

Kids take part in traditional craft, cooking and storytelling.

Aunty Kathleen says it's important to have a connection to country.

"Culture is something that has been lost over time, and now the children are getting so far out of control it's not funny," she told 9NEWS.

'Elders in Schools' was developed in partnership with the Smith Family.

The school's Aboriginal Education Officer, Darren Harris, says it's helping engage students.

"It's building that respect, it's building that leadership, and it's building a lot of that team-building as well for a lot of our kids," he said.

It's hoped the program will expand to other schools.