A LITERACY program is teaching refugee communities literacy and numeracy skills, and breaking down social isolation.
Maribyrnong Council’s River of Words Bilingual Preschool Story Times program continues this month with sessions in Chin Burmese and Vietnamese at local playgroups, homework clubs and the Central West Plaza.
Cam Nguyen, chief executive of the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association, says it’s a valuable way to teach children and parents life lessons in a fun environment. Ms Nguyen says the AVWA has playgroups of up to 25 families which help mothers and their children meet other people.
“Some mothers are very isolated. Some don’t have any family here and even those who have a few family members can be isolated.
“With more interaction, the more they can help each other – there’s a lot of sharing.”
Details: 96880117, 96880148 or mail@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
