In 2020, Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Children and Families team in Nerang were excited to launch a fortnightly event; Jarjums. This event was designed to nurture individual self-expression and offer cultural support in a safe environment. Jarjums was created for children and young people in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The group was led by our Cultural Support Workers. Their primary focus was to create cultural connectedness so that children and young people could develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. This included identity within themselves and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Jarjums connect
The group helped young people to learn about key topics such as:
- Song
- Dance
- Storytelling
- Costumes
- Making food.
Children in care, carers, families, staff, Elders and community members came together to immerse themselves in the sharing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, cultural knowledge, sensitivity and cultural practices.
The Jarjums Connect Group explored a range of diverse cultures and traditional song and dance rituals, as well as the cultural significance of songs and dance. Jarjums strengthened cultural knowledge for children and carers, particularly in relation to the dance styles and what is worn during dance ceremonies. Attendees were given the opportunity to be involved in learning a new song of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
In 2020, the Jarjums Connect Group were televised on the long-running nature and science themed television series, Totally Wild. To learn more about it and watch the episode, please click here.
Our Cultural Support Workers support non-Indigenous foster carers and staff to better understand the needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people in care. Furthermore, to respond in a holistic way that considers family, spiritual, community and individual needs. They also play an important role in identifying, verifying and connecting young people with their traditional country. This is done to help them build a strong sense of cultural identity. This can have a positive impact on their self-esteem, pride and emotional wellbeing.
Find out more
To learn more about the role of our Cultural Support Workers, please visit our Cultural Support webpage, here.
