The New South Wales Government is continuing to focus on the importance of Aboriginal culture and heritage, with a new program developed for the state’s youngest learners that will support Aboriginal languages to be taught in early childhood services.
Minister for Early Childhood Education and Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell said the program, Ninganah No More, would provide an opportunity for Aboriginal culture and identity to be developed and nurtured in the earliest stage of formal education across NSW.
“Ninganah means be quiet, and the goal of Ninganah No More is to help ensure Aboriginal languages are no longer unheard voices in our community,” she said.
“This program will be beneficial to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children alike. Evidence shows that learning a second language has long-term developmental benefits, including improving memory, pattern recognition, problem solving and language development.
“In 2017, NSW made history as the first state in Australia to pass legislation acknowledging the value and importance of language to Aboriginal people. The Ninganah No More program is just another way the NSW Government is putting Aboriginal language and culture front and centre.”
