Education outcomes in Indigenous communities still lag behind those in non-Indigenous Australia, and there is growing evidence that they’re deteriorating. Providing support to parents as children transition from early childhood to primary school is crucial; and Warlpiri communities in the Northern Territory are doing something about it.

Two years ago, the Central Land Council signed an exciting agreement with World Vision to work with Warlpiri-patu-kurlangu Jaru, a Warlpiri-controlled education body, and the Warlpiri Education and Training Trust (WETT) to develop and implement an Early Childhood Care and Development Project.

As part of this project, World Vision staff have been working with local women to set up community playgroups, facilitated in their own languages. Learning about good nutrition, essential for growing bodies and minds, is a vital part of the curriculum.

The playgroups provide a welcoming space for young children and their families. All of the activities are play-based, creating a rich environment for fun early learning.

Because World Vision works with Indigenous communities on an invite-only basis, the local people are completely involved in the process, enthusiastically working to get their children ready for their school years.

Rather than bringing staff in from elsewhere, World Vision is focused on training Warlpiri early childhood workers. This ensures that sustainable, culturally relevant activities remain strong in the communities well beyond the life of the project.

Language is intrinsically linked to culture in Indigenous communities. Of approximately 250 Indigenous languages before European settlement, only six per cent remain classified ‘healthy’; an alarming statistic. Warlpiri language is stronger than many others, but work needs to be done to ensure it remains that way.   

The World Vision project has a linguist on board and mums, aunties and grandmothers have been busily making baby books in Warlpiri and English. By sharing these stories they are helping children learn to love reading from an early age.  

The project is showing no signs of slowing down. Playgroup staff in four Warlpiri communities have big plans for the next 12 months. As the adults continue passionately planning early childhood initiatives, dozens of young children are happily attending playgroup, blissfully unaware of what all this playing may mean for their futures; and the future of their rich and important culture.

Talking about the project in Warlpiri

Kurdu Kurdu pirrjirdi nyinanjaku manu yungurlu pina jarri kids to stay strong and learn well

Jarnku warra warra kanjaku manu yulkanjaku kids to take care of each other; to love each other

To learn about the Pilbara early childhood care and development program click here