Placemats for indigenous students
Young indigenous students on the Peninsula received educational placemats to promote literacy and numeracy as part of a project launched by The Benevolent Society recently.
The placemats' "bright and appealing" design features artwork by local Aboriginal artist Kevin Duncan, as well as games and words in the local Darkinyung language.
"Everyday observations, songs, conversations and counting games are vital to developing children's literacy and numeracy skills," manager of community programs for The Benevolent Society on the Central Coast Ms Deb Tipper said.
"These placemats are designed to help parents turn meal time at home into an opportunity to talk with their kids about words and ideas, numbers, shapes and counting.
"Thanks to the recent publication of the Darkinyung grammar and dictionary reference book, we've been able to also promote local language and culture, by using words in the Indigenous language of the Central Coast area.
"This, combined with the photos of local people, gives these placemats a real local flavour."
In total, around 2000 placemats will be available to families on the Central Coast free of charge, through preschools, childcare centres, supported playgroups, schools, Aboriginal organisations and community members, and through The Benevolent Society's Young Black and Ready for School program."
The placemats project is funded through the Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy, which is part of NSW Department of Community Services.
Press release, 2 Nov 2009
Deb Tipper, The Benevolent Society