Kuranda Paper  – PDF version with photos (Page 21)

NGOONBI’S BIBI YUNGAN PROGRAM SUPPORTS STRONG BEGINNINGS FOR LOCAL CHILDREN

Ngoonbi’s Bibi Yungan – Great Start to Great Learning program continues to make an impact on families and young children within the Kuranda region. Strengthening early development and supporting lifelong learning.

Established in 2012 and funded by NIAA, (National Indigenous Australian Agency) the program was created to support families to provide the best possible start for children from birth to five years of age, providing guidance to grow into confident, capable and independent young people. The SDA church Elders proudly gifted the program its name – Bibi Yungan meaning ‘train up a child”. Bibi Yungan supports families, children and young adults as they transition successfully into schooling, training and employment. Ngoonbi workforce is currently made up of 15% youth. Families have been able to access a wide range of programs and opportunities designed to build resilience, promote empowerment, self-esteem, social and emotional wellbeing.

The program delivers a variety of activities that includes:

• Early childhood learning and development sessions Playgroup, excursions, Early Reading Intervention programs at KDSC and the development of educational resources
• Family support and engagement programs and workshops With the focus on family visitations, nutrition, wellness, family routines, teaching your child at home, as Parents/Carers are their childrens’ first teachers.
• Weekly Youth mentoring and transition pathways in collaboration with Kuranda District State College Girls Group, Boys Group, Bama Role Model sessions, Monday Breakfast Club at KDSC, homework support, successful enrolments to obtain accredited training and qualifications, plus traineeships and school based work experiences at Ngoonbi.
• Health, wellbeing and community building initiatives Promotion of self-care initiatives for healing and assisting the delivery of fortnightly men’s and women’s group.

The above activities offer a safe, cultural space for young children, youth and their families.

The Bibi Yungan program continues to give every child and young person a great start to life, led and supported by the positive guidance of Parents and Elders.