Meli kindergartens improve their tech with grants

MELI Kindergarten Services are upgrading their technology after receiving more than $54,000 in state grants.

Last week, the Victorian government contacted all 30 Meli kindergartens across the G21 region to inform them of their successful application to receive funding to purchase new IT equipment.

The grants, which totalled $54,201, will allow each Meli kindergarten to purchase about $2000 worth of new equipment ranging from iPads to audio books, AV equipment and digital microscopes.

The funding is part of the Victorian government’s Building Blocks Improvements initiative to help kindergartens improve facilities and equipment to assist in the delivery of educational programs.

Meli director of children’s services Mandy Baxter said assets such as iPads and science equipment were valuable educational tools in kindergartens, and it was important for Meli services to have updated technology.

“We are grateful to receive this funding because technology plays such a huge role in our everyday lives and that extends to how we learn as well,” she said.

“For preschool-aged children, tech equipment can greatly enhance their learning experience and allow them to begin exploring technology as educational tools in preparation for school and life beyond kindergarten.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited Meli’s Kirralee Kindergarten in Newcomb last week to meet some of the children and staff.

“Every child deserves first-rate modern learning equipment, that’s why the government continues to invest in local kindergartens,” she said.

Meli Kindergarten Services is the Barwon region’s largest kindergarten network with 30 kindergartens across Geelong, the Bellarine, Queenscliff, Lara, Mount Duneed and Colac.