By Leanne Mits
This project enabled elements of the kindergarten’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to be realised. Specifically, the project enabled us to engage with and build an ongoing relationship with a local Aboriginal woman, to support, first hand, the learning of children, families and educators, about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and culture. The Australian and Victorian Early Years Learning Frameworks and our kindergarten’s Reconciliation Action Plan, guides our thinking, commitment, work and learning in the space of reconciliation.
These commitments, through this project, were enriched by the inclusion of connections and learning opportunities with Sandy Barber, a proud Dja Dja Wurrung-Yorta Yorta woman, with whom our kindergarten is strengthening a relationship with. Sandy connected and met with staff for meetings and professional learning, and with the children, to share stories and extend our shared learning. Sandy also provided guidance during children’s project work whenever we contacted her for her perspective, understanding and counsel on something we were unsure of.
The children learnt about respecting and seeking the voice and perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s, and learning from them, firsthand.
Sandy also participated in a local professional learning event we held for local early childhood colleagues to support the learning of other educators, in our wider early childhood community.
The community of our community based, not-for-profit kindergarten was grateful to be the recipient of an AGECS 100 Years of Excellent Grant; this enabled learning and sharing experiences at the kindergarten, with children, families and educators, and the wider community, to access learning and strengthen relationships in ways we would otherwise not have been able to. The grant process was user friendly, accessible and very worthwhile.