A launch was held at the preschool on Wednesday for the Dhurga Language in Song Video, which was created to help develop literacy skills and build strong cultural identity in the children of the Wallaga Lake community. 

It features three songs, including Gabaanu, Gugu, Ngumung, Giin giin, which is created to the tune of well-known song Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. 

Also, there is an animal action song to the tune of Wheels On The Bus, as well as a family song sung to the tune of Itsy Bitsy Spider. 

“It’s really important to keep our language alive and pass this on to future generations, I feel so proud to be able to pass on my knowledge of the Dhurga language to the little kids to sing, learn and have fun,” Red Cross community development officer and Djiringanj woman Cathy Thomas said.

Director and early childhood teacher at Little Yuin Preschool Kim Cooke said the idea began when occupational therapist students from the University of Canberra visited the preschool as part of their placements with Red Cross and started developing the songs and video in conjunction with Red Cross and the preschool.

They chose the songs, came up with activities to go with them, then sung the songs in English and Dhurga. 

“Because it is an Aboriginal preschool it’s really important that the knowledge is passed on to them,” Ms Cooke said. 

“We will use it here in the preschool, and it will go up on a site called My Goals so all schools and preschools can access it through a website link.” 

The launch of the video was attended by Red Cross and the preschool’s families, with the children singing in Dhurga on the day. 

It was part of the preschool’s early celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, held on August 4, which is is a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to celebrate the strengths and culture of their children. 

The video is going to be sent home to the families of children at Little Yuin Preschool, along with posters featuring the words in the songs.

“This project would not have been possible without the help of the educators at Little Yuin Preschool and the  children and families in and around Wallaga Lake and we would like to thank them for their support,” Red Cross regional operations manager Julie Kirk said. 

There are currently 17 pupils enrolled at Little Yuin Preschool. It is open for enrollments for three and four year olds for this year and 2019. For more information call 4473 7396.