Council’s multicultural services 0fficers Maryanne Gray (left) and Mahsa Nikzad (front right) facilitated a relaxed LEAP program session with community attendees Ance Esthappan and his four-year-old son, Stephan Joseph Ance. Photo: Wagga City Council.
Wagga is being introduced to a new conversational program to improve the English-speaking skills of linguistically diverse community members through play and chat.
Wagga City Library has launched the new LEAP (Learn English and Play) program as part of its multicultural services.
As part of the Agile Library Services, the LEAP program based at Estella Community Learning Program Room (Estella Public School) is for parents and guardians and their children aged one to five.
Council library team leader of programs, promotions and partnerships Christine Bolton said LEAP offered relaxed sessions for parents, guardians and their preschoolers.
“The sessions will offer a range of activities that support social engagement and English language skills through craft and play-based activities,” Ms Bolton said.
“Some 6.7 per cent of the Wagga community were born overseas, and more than 30 per cent of residents speak a language other than English.
“Recent community consultation identified Estella as a suburb with a number of newly settled culturally and linguistically diverse families, many of whom experience isolation and transport barriers.
Ms Bolton said through the program at Estella Community Learning Program Room, the participants could access library services within walking distance of home, increasing their opportunity to participate.
The council’s multicultural services officer Maryanne Gray is excited to offer the program to support the isolated community members in the suburbs.
“Hopefully, we will bring a smile to their face and provide an opportunity to speak English in a relaxed environment,” Ms Gray said.
Another multicultural services officer, Mahsa Nikzad, said the program was also a means for carers, guardians and parents to make new friendships and share experiences.
“As a parent of a little boy, when I first moved to Australia and settled in Estella, I didn’t have the confidence to take the bus and felt my English was not good enough,” Ms Nikzad said.
“I look back and remember feeling isolated and wishing there was a program like LEAP at that time, so I could walk there and meet other parents from different cultural backgrounds.
“I am thrilled to be part of the team offering this program to assist those feeling isolated improve their social and English conversational skills so that they feel more confident and comfortable with communicating.”
The new LEAP program will be held at Estella Public School Community Room every Friday from 10 am to 12 pm.
Bookings are essential as family numbers are limited.
Contact the library on 6926 9700 or email [email protected].
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