Free Kinder is available to refugee and asylum seeker families - TRANSCRIPT
Somaieh: Hi, my name is Somaieh.
We immigrated from Iran around eight years ago and came to Melbourne. I have a son named Mahan.
The kindergarten program is a free program available to everyone, whether they are citizens, immigrants or refugees in Victoria. Children can enrol two years before starting school to help them get ready for school and become familiar with different cultures. It also helps them feel more confident being part of society.
It has been very good for Mahan because he has made a lot of friends and improved his overall social skills.
I think one of the most important skills Mahan learned in kindergarten was being part of a team and taking part in group activities. He also did a lot of crafts. These activities helped him improve and develop more than before.
Play-based learning is an approach used in kindergarten to teach children. They learn through play, storytelling and talking about their daily activities. This approach was especially helpful for Mahan.
There is a kindergarten program here before school, and it is free. I think it is really good and helps prepare children for school.
I first learned about it through the Maternal and Child Health Clinic. They sent me information, which helped me understand the program.
Through the website findakinder.vic.gov.au, I was able to find kindergartens in my area and choose one for my son.
Even if we are not fluent in English, there are interpreters available to help families understand the kindergarten programs, their details and locations. They can help Iranian families, as well as other immigrants and refugees, learn more about kindergarten.
I think it is especially important for immigrants from different countries and cultures to send their children to kindergarten, so they can learn about different cultures, feel part of society, and get ready for school more easily.
It is a very good program, and it is something that benefits all of us.
Find a kinder near you at findakinder.vic.gov.au.
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