Winner of the 2024 Regional Learning Support Program of the Year: Cultura
The MY Education Awards recognise excellence and showcase the outstanding contributions made by Learning Support Programs to the success of the learning of primary and secondary students in Victoria. This year, the awards celebrated 10 years of Learning Support Programs, their students and volunteers.
Family After School Support was awarded Regional Learning Support Program of the year, working with multicultural primary school students and their parents in the Colac region. The program provides a safe and friendly space for students to learn and make friends, with a focus on promoting social skills and connection. Students join the program with varying levels of language acquisition and confidence, and every child is given a voice and a chance to be heard. Tutors use a variety of hands-on activities, including bilingual resources, songs, craft and games. Parents and carers also have opportunities to connect with one another and access information about other community and health services.
Tell us about your program.
Cultura homework club is based in the Colac Otway area and is open to all CALD primary school students on a weekly basis. We are supported by 12 wonderful volunteers. Students are encouraged to bring their homework, such as spelling lists and readers, to complete with our help. We also provide activities that feature numeracy, literacy and craft elements each session. While kids are working, parents and guardians are welcomed to stay and chat, or meet with a member of our team to learn about local services or opportunities.
Can you share some highlights from your program in 2024?
Building a strong relationship with our local police has been a highlight for the homework club in 2024. Officers visited the club so that kids, parents and careers were able to meet them and become familiar with the services they provide out community. One session allowed the students to ask a constable questions and learn about bike and scooter safety. We also loved making craft displays for Colac Kana Festival. The festival features many of our local multicultural communities in the parade and on the musical stage. Kids were able to write Harmony Day messages on their hand-crafted hearts and doves. We welcomed many new students this year, but students were especially thoughtful in writing letters to our new refugee family from Burundi prior to their arrival in town.
What do you think makes your club successful?
I believe it’s our volunteers who are the heart and soul of our club and ensure its ongoing success. They build wonderful relationships with our students and their families, and provide fantastic learning opportunities. They take the time to really get to know each child, how they learn best and how they can make them feel safe, seen and supported
What does winning the Regional Learning Support Program of the Year Award mean to you and your program?
Winning Regional Learning Support Program of the Year really validates the work of myself and the whole team. Working in a regional area can make us feel isolated from the services and resources more easily available to programs in the city. But this is such a wonderful reminder of our resilience and innovation in the face of those challenges. We are so appreciative of many ways CMY supports our program!
