MELBOURNE, 7 November 2022: Languages other than English across Victoria will get boosted with a re-elected Andrews Labor Government investing $ 6 million to deliver a new Multicultural Storytime program.
The program will give kids – up to the age of 5 – the ability to come together with a facilitator to read a book and learn a language other than English.
Each session would run for 45 minutes and give parents the opportunity to engage their children and grandchildren in their native language in a new and engaging way, says a media release.
Grants of up to $25,000 per year will be available to community organizations, community language schools, and councils to deliver this exciting new program.
Premier Daniel Andrews spoke exclusively to SAT at the launch of the program at the Nathdwara Centre, Hallam, an educational and cultural centre run by the Vaishnav Sangh of Melbourne.
The Premier joined a group of tiny tots being narrated a story in Gujarati at the Nathdwara Centre’s Gujarati school. He sat with the kids as they listened to the narration and took interest in the story itself. The kids seemed to be enjoying the story in their mother tongue Gujarati. Gujarati is one of the 260 languages spoken by communities in Victoria from 200 countries.
Labor candidate for Narre Warren North Balinda was with the Premier. As a working mum and family business owner, Belinda knows how to improve the lives of working families and hopes to be able to deliver excellent local outcomes for all members of the Narre Warren North electorate.
Premier Daniel Andrews says, “Multiculturalism is our state’s greatest gift – and we must continue to invest in the many languages, faiths, and cultures that have made a home here in Victoria.”
“Storytelling is a powerful way to strengthen the connection young children have to their communities, their families and their identities and Labor is proud to support our multicultural communities, each and every day.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence says, “Victoria is home to some of the oldest languages the world has ever known and it’s so important that we play our role in strengthening them in our communities.”
In his opinion, Labor Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous said, “I was fortunate enough to grow up in a community that valued the importance of passing down the rich heritage of our language. It’s an important part of who I am, and today’s announcement will ensure it is an important part of communities for many years to come.”
