Cultural connection at storytime

LODDON Campaspe Multicultural Services has started a new program for children who speak the Karen and Dari languages, which is a first for Bendigo.

The Multicultural Storytime Program is being held at the Bendigo Library each Monday, with the Karen sessions taking place from 10am to 11.30am, and the Dari sessions from 4pm to 5pm.

Anyone who speaks the languages, or is interested in learning them, is welcome to attend.

The program has been made possible by a four-year, $200,000 State Government grant and was launched by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards at the library on Monday.

“This important program will provide a range of benefits to local children and their families,” Ms Edwards said at the launch.

“Reading and storytelling is vital to all children, no matter what their cultural background.

“It is fantastic that this program celebrates and recognises the importance of storytelling in our many community languages.”

LCMS community development and capacity building team leader Elisangela Couto said storytellers from among the organisation’s bilingual support worker ranks were delivering the sessions, which were primarily aimed at children aged up to four.

But Ms Couto said the sessions were public, so they were also open to older participants interested in the languages.

Ms Couto said the Karen and Dari sessions were new for the Bendigo region.

“Young people are losing connection with their language of origin, through their parents,” she said.

“Storytime keeps them connected with their language and their culture.”

The State funding is part of a broader $6 million budget allocation to support programs that enhance children’s knowledge and use of their language of origin.

The aim is to strengthen children’s connection to their culture and provide culturally appropriate information to families about health services.