The State Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous, joined PRONIA on Saturday, July 20 at Northcote Library for the launch of a new Greek Family Storytime program funded by the Victorian Government.
The program, aimed at preschool-aged children of Hellenic heritage, is part of the Victorian Labor Government’s $6 million commitment to deliver multicultural storytelling across Victorian libraries, community centres, kindergartens and language schools.
PRONIA will host families every Saturday from 10:00am to 11:30am during school terms. Children and parents will participate in fairy tales and book readings, songs and activities designed to build connections with the Hellenic language, identity, and culture. Additionally, families will be offered culturally appropriate information about local health services.
Recognising the importance of a multicultural and multilingual society, the program delivers on a key Victorian Labor Government commitment to support Victorian children in learning their mother tongue and connecting with their cultures.
Research shows that reading regularly with children from a young age stimulates patterns of brain development and strengthens parent-child relationships, while also building language, literacy, and social-emotional skills.
Multicultural Storytime will enrich these skills while deepening the cherished connection Victorian children have to their cultural identities and languages. It builds a sense of identity and belonging, allowing children to foster pride and self-esteem.
In Victoria’s large Hellenic community, families are seeking opportunities to pass on Greek language and traditions. Greek Storytime provides a structured, engaging and free program that is accessible to everyone.
The launch event at Northcote Library was a vibrant celebration of Greek culture. Families gathered to enjoy traditional Greek music, stories, and activities. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as children explored the joys of their cultural heritage.
Ms Theophanous said retaining community languages “is vitally important to a thriving and diverse Victoria.”
“Having opportunities to teach Greek to the next generation of children is deeply meaningful to many families in the inner north – and bolsters the pipeline of students continuing to learn the language through primary, secondary and tertiary education,” she added.
“Greek Storytime is about more than just reading books. It’s about preserving the Greek language and sharing Hellenic culture. Through storytelling, children can connect with their heritage and fostering a sense of identity and community.
“Today’s launch is a wonderful beginning for what promises to be a meaningful and impactful program – and I’m proud to have supported this initiative with funding from the Victorian Labor Government.”
