CANBERRA-Community elders and leaders have thrown their support behind an innovative early education program which is delivering benefits for kids and families.
Non-profit organization Children's Ground runs early learning programs that place indigenous culture at the Centre of Western Learning in several communities and town camps in and around Alice Springs and the Top End.
Children's Ground encourages families and elders to be involved in early childhood education. (Supplied: Children's Ground).
The program aims to emphasise individual strengths by embedding families, Elders and community leaders in early learning environments.
Children’s Ground director Mel Kean says by embracing family and culture, kids can learn in a culturally safe and supported way.
"Everything we do here at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe... (Arrernte for 'Children's Ground') and across the territory is family-led," she told NITV from Mparntwe.
"We are ensuring that every experience kids are having is culturally safe, and that is such an important thing for kids and our staff."
Now in its fifth year in Alice Springs, the program's most recent report shows it is having an impact, with more young children engaging in formal learning.
The report said that 82 per cent of children are engaging in formal learning — up from just 14 percent three years ago — and the majority of children are learning in their first language.
The report also said that 89 per cent of families who participated in the program said their children's physical and mental well-being improved.
Tyson Carmody is the health and wellbeing coordinator at Children's Ground and said the program's unique approach is having results.
Children's Ground encourages families and elders to be involved in early childhood education. (Supplied: Children's Ground)
"We’re seeing those children engage positively with their learning, with their health, and more importantly with their culture and family..." he told NITV News.
"It's really important. It just becomes the norm, as it should be."
The report, handed down on Friday, was praised by the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt who acknowledged First Nations culture and language is vital in ensuring First Nations children succeed and key Closing the Gap disadvantage targets are met.