In 2020 Anglicare’s Southern Cross Early Learning Centre in Canberra introduced a nature preschool program known as Walga – a ‘Ngunnawal’ word for hawk. The program was developed to help children to remain at the centre of their own learning. The curriculum includes a dedicated nature program, making the outdoors a classroom where children can jump in puddles, feel frost on the grass, run, skip and get dirty as they explore and create their own adventures, while also acknowledging the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people on whose land they play and learn.
In 2021 the program expanded to operate five days a week. The space facilitates elements of Anglicare’s therapeutic ‘Sanctuary’ model, where children are taught mindfulness in their quiet time. As part of Anglicare’s continued commitment and collaboration with the ACT Education Directorate, we were so pleased to be able to work in conjunction with the executive teaching team at Southern Cross to deliver this beautiful environment for the whole school community to enjoy.
To find out more about the Walga Early Learning Program, CLICK HERE.
