Acknowledgement of Country
Affinity Education Group acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have passed away.
"Be brave. Make change.” This powerful statement can mean so many different things. But for the next week, these words are a challenge for each of us by Reconciliation Australia, the leading body for reconciliation in Australia. As the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2022 (27 May – 03 June), “Be brave. Make change.” challenges all Australians to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Across Australia, 4000 Affinity-ites are coming together to reflect on our responsibility – as individuals, as Educators, and as a company – to contribute to reconciliation in our communities and our country. As a provider of early education, we have a unique opportunity to engage with children and families throughout more than 185 centres. In our workplaces, our centres, and our communities, we recognise the responsibility we hold to embed the value of reconciliation in the children who are the future of our country.
What is National Reconciliation Week (NRW)?
NRW is an opportunity for all Australian to pause. To commit to learning about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore and consider how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
We all live our lives on Indigenous land, and we must all play our part by building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures. Each day we have the opportunity to Be Brave and Make Change in our daily life – where we live, work, learn, play, and socialise.
When is National Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week falls on the same week every year – 27 May to 03 June – to recognise two important dates in the history of reconciliation in Australia. To learn more about the history of National Reconciliation Week, please visit Reconciliation Australia.
How will Affinity Education and the Lifelong Learning Centres community observe National Reconciliation Week?
From exploring Dreamtime stories and connecting with country outdoors to meeting local Elders and learning about history through art and performance, our Educators and Teachers have worked hard to create age-appropriate learning programs to engage even the littlest learners with the concept of reconciliation.
We look forward to participating in these incredible activities with our centres and to sharing these with our communities online.
Additionally, we are also using NRW as a timely reminder to develop our centre Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP). Our centres are supported by Affinity’s Reconciliation Advocates who provide training, support, resources, and engagement with guest speakers.
What is Affinity’s long-term vision for reconciliation?
Affinity has a company-wide commitment to reconciliation in our organisation, led by our Reconciliation Working Group. This passionate team is committed to creating a safe space for educators to share their knowledge and experiences during their reconciliation journey, as well as grow their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s cultures, histories, and contemporary realities.
Program Lead Sarah Druery says, “We want to empower Educators to feel confident in their ability to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives within their curriculums and daily practices.”
What is the importance of reconciliation in early childhood education and care?
A child’s early years lay the foundations for lifelong learning. Sarah continues, “Exploring reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community is a key part of nurturing culturally competent children who feel connected with their community.”
Through experiences such as daily Acknowledgement of Country, exploring Indigenous art and stores, and connecting with the land around us, we can build a strong foundation for future learning, with knowledge and experiences that empower them to be brave and make change.
How will you meet the challenge and Be brave, Make change?