Embracing Culture, Diversity and Inclusivity at Aspire Tarneit North
Creating community, promoting inclusivity and embracing different cultures are important values at Aspire. As an early education provider, it is essential for us to create an environment where all children feel valued, respected and empowered.
Embracing diversity and celebrating different cultures is very important at Aspire Tarneit North, who have families at the centre from various backgrounds. Recently the team launched their Reconciliation Plan and had an Aboriginal Elder and Long Walk Ambassador attend the centre to educate the children about First Nations people and culture.
Recently, the team also celebrated Ramadan and Eid at the centre, to commemorate the holy month of fasting for Muslims. Learn more about these celebrations and the significance of recognising these in early education.
On Thursday 20th March, Aspire Tarneit North were fortunate to have Little Long Walk Ambassador, Jack, and First Nations Elder, Aunty Glenda, come to the centre. The children were able to participate in a Long Walk around the centre holding their “We Walk Together” banner that they painted using Aboriginal colours and symbols.
The "Little Long Walk" is an educational program designed to raise awareness about First Nations cultures. It invites schools and communities to participate in a walk that promotes cultural understanding and celebrates the importance of the Long Walk, inspired by Michael Long's advocacy for Indigenous rights.
Before the children participated in the Long Walk, they had an informative session with Jack and Aunty Glenda, where they showed the children different Aboriginal instruments and symbols. This included a spear, a boomerang, a football made from possum skin and a Eucalyptus branch. The children were able to hold and touch them, providing a true hands-on learning experience for them. Aunty Glenda also gave an Acknowledge to country before the walk began as well.
The event really encourages the children to embrace these teachings and foster respect and a great understanding for Indigenous communities. Aspire Tarneit North were grateful to have Jack and Aunty Glenda deliver this beautiful session, and the team look forward to them coming back to the centre again.
See some beautiful photos of the event below!
Aspire Tarneit North also recently launched their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which they’ve been implementing across the centre over the last six months.
The RAP is a strategic framework that outlines an organisation's commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, focusing on building relationships, fostering respect, and creating opportunities.
Tarniet North’s Kindergarten Teacher Sonia has taken a significant role in this implementation, organising different activities, readings and focuses each month that inspires the children’s learning about Indigenous culture. Tarneit North aims to take meaningful and sustainable actions to advance reconciliation, both internally and within their community. They are passionate about continuing their Reconciliation journey and empowering the children at the centre with greater understanding about their culture and perspectives.
During March, Aspire Tarneit North also recognised Ramadan, which is observed by some of the families at the centre. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
During this period, the team at Tarneit North set up water bottles in their foyer for families to take, as well as delicious dates, which are a preferred food item of choice for Muslims to break their fast. The centre chef also prepared delicious take home meals from families during Ramadam for them to enjoy on their way home to break their fast. This was such a thoughtful idea by the team who understand the busy schedules of families, and wanted to provide something for them.
The end of Ramadan is also marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, a celebration with prayers, feasts, and giving to charity. The Tarneit North team celebrated Eid al-Fitr with their staff and families by organising a delicious afternoon feast with savory and sweet goodies. This was a lovely event to bring our team and community together, and celebrate a tradition important to them.
Celebrating Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in early education centres can be a wonderful way to introduce young children to different cultural and religious practices while promoting diversity, inclusivity, ad empathy. It's also an opportunity to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all our families in the community.
Aspire Tarneit North currently has limited vacancies at the centre. If you’d like to learn more about the amazing programs, celebrations and events they host, book a tour of the centre today! This will be a fantastic opportunity to meet the team and learn more about our Aspire program. Book a tour online through our website or contact our team on 1800 978 429.
