Alessandro

Multiculturalism Exemplified

Dr Francesco Capecchi, Consul of Italy for Queensland and Northern Territory has received widespread acclaim for his recent report submitted to the Italian Government and media, highlighting the success of the collaboration between the Italian Government, Queensland Government and the Aboriginal Community of Kuranda in Far North Queensland.

In what can only be described as an international collaboration in understanding and celebration of diverse cultures, the Italian Consulate demonstrated what is possible in an environment of true multiculturalism.

Aboriginal children in Queensland singing the Italian National Anthem in fluent Italian!!

During a time when the Australian Government has come under heavy criticism internationally for its management of relations with the Aboriginal community, the Consul provides a glimmer of hope.

His article, which has appeared on national media in Italy and has been picked up by the Australian multicultural media including SBS, demonstrates the effectiveness of an Aboriginal Community willing to embrace other cultures and share to the International community its own unique and threatened culture.

Consul of Italy for Queensland and Northern Territory

In June 2007, the Consul of Italy for Queensland and the Northern Territory visited the Kuranda District State School to review and promote the teaching of Italian language. The visit to North Queensland provided the opportunity for a unique experience of dialogue and mutual exchanges between the different cultures, Aboriginal, Australian and Italian.

Kuranda District School is a public school in North Queensland and is situated in a rural area on the edges of the rain forest. In 2007 it was incorporated with the local high school, assuming the current status of a district school with 220 students including 88 belonging to the aboriginal community.

The Consul, Dr Francesco Capecchi, was able to meet members of the Aboriginal Community, residents of the local area who are integrated in the social environment. The spiritual leader, Senior Willie, explained to Dr. Capecchi the difficulties in arriving at the decision to send the children to school, explaining that in the aboriginal culture, education is traditionally handed down in a direct manner by participating in community life. Senior Willie explained to the Consul that in the Aboriginal tradition, the adults or elders are the educators of the children of the entire Community.

The Consul considered it �a great sign of respect and esteem towards Italy and a personal privilege to have been invited to visit the places which they hold sacred� and was able to observe how aboriginal children study Italian language with interest and success. He praised the ability of the Italian teacher, Abigail Noli, and to the dedication of the teacher of aboriginal music.

These talented and dedicated teachers have been able to integrate Italian language with the other enjoyable activities such as football, singing and games and Dr Capecchi demonstrated great enthusiasm toward the results and fruits of the initiatives of the Consulate and the Italian School Committee. He commended the proactive role of the Italo-Australian principal, Mr Chris Capra in his achievement to include the teaching of Italian among the compulsory school curriculum in grades 4, 5 and 6.

Since 2005 the school has consulted extensively with the aboriginal community in order to adapt the school curriculum to their educational requirements, to develop family involvement and to promote the aboriginal culture.

These initiatives and dedication have resulted in the school to receiving the Regional Showed Award for excellence in the primary school demonstrating the effectiveness of FAFT (Families As First Teachers). The program recognises the role of parents, tutors and members of the Community as important figures in the process of socialization of the aboriginal community and of direct education.

This unique relationship between the school and the community permits the recognition and utilisation of parental teaching methods and to organize workshops at school and within the community, even in the most remote areas with the assistance of a team of dedicated teachers, social and health workers.

Activities such as digital painting, building toys and education materials, photography, workshops for spreading oral culture and tradition have been developed in a climate of reciprocal teaching/learning which has increased trust, respect and self-esteem of those associated with this important authentically intercultural experience.

Over 100 members of the Aboriginal Community have participated in 5 different areas of the workshops inspiring �mutual learning� and embracing of the FAFT programme. From the quality and quantity appraisal of information collected, there appears to be a general improvement in learning, in the school-family relationship, and intergenerational communications.

Finally, a reduction of 74% in negative behaviour was noted and an increase of 330% of positive behaviour between the aboriginal students, the attendance at preschool and in the first year of primary school has increased by 85% as a result of the FAFT program.

Martha Brim, an aboriginal parent and member of the Community said �Our communities like having the FAFT programme as it shows families what they can do to help their kids before they start school. That will make it easier when they go to grade 1. We enjoy getting together and learning about the kinds of things our kids will do when they go to school. Some kids are frightened about school and FAFT helps them feel good about going. They get to know the teachers and so do we. We love this program so much�.

For more information and photographic material, please do not hesitate to contact.

Alessandro Sorbello
New Realm Media

Posted: October 11th, 2007 | Report This Comment