Why is it important to help children maintain a connection to their culture?
We understand that children in care who are supported to learn about and maintain a connection to their culture, religion and language have better outcomes as they grow up than those who are not supported in this way. These connections help children to understand where they have come from and to develop their sense of belonging and identity.
Helping children stay connected with their ethnic background, language and religion can also help children maintain positive relationships with their birth parents, extended family, and community. This is important should children be returned to parental care, and in staying connected into their adult years.
CALD Resources
CALD is an acronym that refers to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals who were either born overseas, or whose parents/or grandparents were born overseas, and speak a language other than English at home.
Bilingual Books
Purchasing or borrowing books, toys and other entertainment material provides a source of cultural information for both carers and children. A large range of bilingual and multicultural books and music are available through the websites below:
· Siri Slama Kusama: A Secret Safe to Tell by Naomi Hunter: https://www.naomihunter.com.au/
Calendar of Cultural and Religious Dates
The information in this calendar is presented in good faith. The calendar is not exhaustive of all events that are celebrated around the world and should be considered a guide only. Calendar users should seek further advice regarding particular events from the communities concerned. Also see the https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/multicultural-affairs/about-multicultural-affairs/calendar-of-cultural-and-religious-dates
Community Language Schools
For more information on a community language school in your area, click here.
Cultural Clubs in Melbourne & Victoria
CALD children in care should be supported to maintain links with their culture, religion and language. Establishing regular contact with people from the same cultural background will enhance this connection.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Community Directory: This directory includes Youth Network and Cultural Diversity week – 18th to 24th March 2024 to bring Victorians together to celebrate the state’s diverse and powerful multicultural communities.
AFL Community Club https: Also includes: https://play.afl/learning-resource/diversity re clubs embracing diversity and inclusivity. such as the Indigenous Round usually held in Week 10 or 11.
Cultural Playgroups
These playgroups are places where parents and carers meet to participate in activities that encourage their child’s development and social skills; as well as interacting with people from similar cultural backgrounds.
· Playgroup Victoria Directory
· City of Melbourne Playgroups
· VICSEG Supported Playgroups in Diverse Communities
· Mackillop Family Services Supported Playgroups
Useful Resources
Victorian Cooperative on Children’s Services for Ethnic Groups (VICSEG)
Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria Inc. and includes a Youth leadership group.
Project Us Foundation: https://www.projectusfoundation.org/about-us and has a mentor program for Muslim children in care
Settlement Services International: https://www.ssi.org.au/
Teachers Resource Kit: https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/teachers-resource-kit
The Face-to-Face Program: Involves a speaker with a refugee background and a representative of the Refugee Council of Australia co-presenting to your school. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/category/our-community/face-to-face/
Islamic Museum of Australia: https://islamicmuseum.org.au/ Located at 15A Anderson Rd, Thornbury
Acknowledgement:
The FCAV appreciates the advice provided by Francoise Le Gall at Settlement Services International who assisted with the production of this Information Sheet. https://www.ssi.org.au/
