JUNEE Preschool will receive $5000 in state funding to incorporate Aboriginal languages into the curriculum.
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The NSW government selected Junee Preschool to deliver the Ninganah No More program, which provides an opportunity for Aboriginal culture and identity to be developed in the earliest stage of formal education across the state.
Cootamundra MP, Steph Cooke, announced the program designed to embed awareness and understanding for children from an early age.
“The $400,000 program will support young children including those in the Cootamundra electorate to appreciate and understand Aboriginal languages while participating in early learning environments,” Ms Cooke said.
“The local community will also benefit immensely, with stronger relationships forged between early childhood services and their local Aboriginal communities.”
“I’m thrilled Junee Preschool put their hand up for this fantastic opportunity, and I can’t wait to hear our youngsters speaking Wiradjuri with their classmates and teachers.
“By opening the door on children’s curiosity, we are supporting them to learn more about Aboriginal cultures and languages,” she added.
Agencies and services running the program will soon be teaching 14 languages across NSW including Gumbaynggirr and Gamilaraay, Yuin, Wiradjuri, Paakantji and Bandjalang.
In addition to increasing the literacy and vocabulary skills of Aboriginal children in NSW, Ninganah No More will help young people preserve some of their heritage and traditions and develop as bilingual speakers.
Junee Preschool were also recently secured a Quality Learning Environments Grant for $12,300.00 to enhance the quality of learning spaces and increase the number of preschool attendance. The grant will go towards installing a new chicken coop and solar panels at the centre.
