SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF GREEK FAMILY STORYTIME
Many families gathered at Northcote Library and at Clayton Community Centre on Saturday 20th July for the vibrant launch of the Greek Family Storytime program, a new initiative funded by the Victorian Government and spearheaded by PRONIA. Both events were a lively celebration of Greek culture, filled with traditional Greek children’s songs, captivating stories, and engaging activities that delighted both children and parents alike.
The program, endorsed by State Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous, aims to support preschool-aged children of Hellenic heritage. It is part of the Victorian Labor Government’s $6 million commitment to delivering multicultural storytelling across Victorian libraries, community centres, kindergartens, and language schools.
PRONIA is running the program for four years. Experienced educators host these sessions every Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am during school terms at Northcote Library and Clayton Community Centre. The sessions feature fairy tales, book readings, songs, and activities designed to build connections with the Greek language, identity, and culture. Families will also receive culturally appropriate information about local health services.
This program is a key part of the Victorian Labor Government’s efforts to support multiculturalism and it encourages children with their mother tongue and their cultural roots. Research shows that being exposed to another language from an early age helps children form a connection to their world, improves children’s cognitive skills, critical thinking, creativity and flexibility .Greek Family Storytime enriches these skills while deepening the connection children have with their cultural identity and language.
In Victoria’s large Hellenic community, there is a strong desire to pass on Greek language and traditions. Greek Family Storytime offers a structured, engaging, and free program accessible to everyone, providing an invaluable resource for families seeking to preserve their heritage.
The successful launch event was a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and the importance of such initiatives in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. All families left the event with excitement about the program’s potential to enrich their children’s lives.
The Greek Family Story Time is a free program for children up to 5 years old and their families.
When: Every Saturday 10am-11.30am at Northcote Library and Clayton Community Centre. 
