News

New Koori playgroups get kids off to a flying start

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 12:03:00

Two new playgroups will be established by Mallee District Aboriginal Services to boost parenting and education support for Aboriginal families and their children.

MDAS will establish new Koorie Supported Playgroups at Mildura and Swan Hill with funding from the Victorian Government as part of its efforts to continue building Aboriginal participation rates in kindergartens.
MDAS Family Capacity Building coordinator Marg Sharman said the Koori supported playgroup was aimed at building confidence, skills and support networks among Aboriginal families.
“We already have playgroups in place for Koori families in both Mildura and Swan Hill, but this program differs in that it’s facilitated by a staff member and will be more coordinated in trying to get all our parents actively involved,” Ms Sharman said.
“It’s all about helping build parents’ confidence in being their child’s first teacher and to understand that children can and do learn anywhere, anytime.”
The Koori Supported Playgroups are open to children from zero to five years and will focus in different themes and activities, many with a cultural perspective.
MDAS Early Years Manager Jacinta Molloy said the program aimed to continue to build Koori families’ participation rates in kindergarten.
“Kinder participation rates among Koori families have grown from around 50 percent 10 years ago to more than 94 percent last year,” Ms Molloy said.
“The focus on the early years at MDAS is paying off in this way.  Kinder attendance feeds into a feeling of confidence and a love of learning right from the first day of school,” she said.
“Closing the gap is all about getting kids off to the best possible start and building from that really solid base throughout a person’s life.”
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Koori supported playgroup can contact the MDAS Early Years team at MDAS Mildura 5018 4100 or Swan Hill 5032 8600.