Sense of connection A unique playgroup is helping Indigenous children engage with their culture

A unique playgroup is helping Indigenous children engage with their culture

There’s a powerful saying when it comes to diversity and inclusion: you can’t be what you can’t see. It’s a tenet that holds true down to the youngest members of our community, and one that plays out at the Indigenous Jarjums playgroup in Coomera, Queensland.

CULTURAL CONNECTION

Jarjums, meaning ‘children’, is run by The Benevolent Society, whose focus on engagement and access for Indigenous families reflects its extensive work around issues such as cultural identity. And, while it’s fairly new on the scene, the playgroup has been warmly embraced by parents such as Kirby, whose son, Asa, identifies as Wakka Wakka.

ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY

“Growing up, my husband didn’t have a lot of connection with country. And it’s very important to me to make sure that’s a facet of my children’s upbringing,” says Kirby. At Jarjums, this includes such activities as craft, acknowledgement of country, yarning circles, singing culture, storytime and learning from Elders. The emphasis placed on building a connection to Indigenous language and culture also strikes a chord with fellow parent Cheyenne, who says: “As a young mum to two little ones that identify as Aboriginal... we really want to give them the opportunity to have some connection to their culture and for a parent to learn as much as they can as well. Cultural connection and community is so important because you realise you’re not alone.”

WIDER FOCUS

Social work graduate Jolene, a child and family practitioner with The Benevolent Society, appreciates being able to connect with Indigenous clients and share her culture. Her wish is for all Australians to learn more about their country’s rich culture and history. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are all of Australia’s first people,” she says. “We should all have a thirst to learn about the strength, resilience and customs of our country. We should come together and have productive conversations towards moving forward in a creative way that supports healing, growing and, most importantly, our culture.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BENEVOLENT.ORG.AU

Cultural connection is so important

Indigenous craft is a key part of the Jarjums curriculum.