Mallee Kids Matter
About
The project involved the design of five workshops, which were aimed to allow children in the area to experience new social situations.
The workshops provided “real life” community experiences for the children, including:
- sharing paintings with the older residents of the local hospital
- seeing the Karoonda Farm Fair
- building relationships with others at the local school and preschool
- visiting the local emergency services.
The program supported children’s development in several areas, such as:
- physical health & wellbeing
- social competence
- emotional maturity
- language and cognitive skills
- communication skills and general knowledge.
Background
The project was developed in response to the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data which indicated that the children in the District Council of Karoonda East Murray are below the South Australian average in all five development areas listed above in the 2020 census.
Outcomes
The project was well received by the local community with 53 community members involved in the workshops, including 38 children in the 0-5 age group.
The workshops provided children with a safe, comfortable, fun and supportive environment.
The growth and confidence improvement of these children was visible to both the staff and parents of these children who attended the sessions. Parents observed improvements in their child from participating over time in the focus area sessions.
Networking/Ongoing Relationships
Through this project, the children's centre has built strong relationships with the community and will continue to build on these partnerships on an ongoing basis. Incorporating regular visits to the community library, kinder gym and weekly walks visiting local businesses and the retirement/nursing home.
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