Swim program supporting young people from diverse backgrounds

Council is proud to partner with the Migrant Information Centre to deliver a learn to swim program for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Funded by Lifesaving Victoria and the Victorian Government, the 8-week program is held at Aquahub in Croydon and offers subsidised lessons for young people from Hakha, Zomi and Karen Chin communities to help decrease their risk of drowning.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane, said the program provides important opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to learn more about water safety.

“Sadly, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are often at a disadvantage when it comes to water safety and survival skills. Of those who drown in Australia each year, around one in four people, on average, were born overseas,” Cr Steane said.

“This swimming program aims to reduce this risk of drowning by providing vital opportunities for young people from a range of backgrounds to develop a better understanding of the dangers of water, improve their swimming abilities and increase their knowledge of water safety and survival skills.”

With a fantastic attendance rate of over 90 percent, Esera from Migrant Information Centre said the program has been well-received by students and their families.

“I have received verbal feedback that the program is fantastic. As soon as Tuesday comes, the kids all look forward to attending their swimming lessons. The parents ask if there will be another program next year, so the feedback is positive. All the staff are fantastic and the kids learn a lot from them.”

Aquahub Swim Teacher Oscar said the program is a rewarding experience for teachers, too.

“I really enjoy teaching students from diverse backgrounds. I have taught a few different groups over the past six months, with a focus on teaching the students as many swimming and survival skills as possible,” Oscar said.

“The students are engaged and eager to learn, and their parents are supportive.”

Families from migrant or refugee communities who are interested in enrolling for future terms in the youth swimming program can find out more on the Migrant Information Centre website or call 9285 4888.