Weekly Dharawal language lessons at Woollahra Preschool thanks to Gujaga Foundation

Children at Woollahra Preschool in New South Wales are now enjoying weekly Dharawal language lessons thanks to support from the Gujaga Foundation. 

During the lessons, Dharawal educators conduct engaging and age appropriate 30 minute lessons in language and culture for each of the preschool’s eight groups of 20 children every Tuesday and Friday. 

“By sharing these experiences of language and culture with children, parents and staff, we hope to create respectful and caring relationships on our path to acknowledging and reconciling with the First Owners of our land,” said Woollahra Preschool Director Mary Boyd.

She described the young Aboriginal teachers who deliver the program as “personable and engaging,” adding that the children are “very excited to be learning more about the culture,” and that they “demonstrate a sense of pride and ownership” which she had not anticipated on starting the program. 

The Gujaga Foundation’s Dharawal Language Program, which has worked closely with Dharawal Elders, knowledge holders and experts since the early 2000s, provides community-based learning programs for young children and adults within Dharawal Country.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to support their child’s acquisition of the language at home through the Dharawal Language and Culture App.

“We are excited to be working with Woollahra Preschool and introducing the children to Dharawal language and stories through our early learning program,” said Sally Walker from the Foundation.

“It is a great opportunity for us to share our Language and for the children to learn about local Aboriginal culture,” she added.

Download the Gujaga Foundation’s free Dharawal Language and Culture App here. Information about the preschool can be found on the preschool’s website.