Inclusion of children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) and Indigenous backgrounds
Active Parent Education Kit Fact Sheet 6
Related topics: None
Barriers facing CaLD and Indigenous young people
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) and Indigenous young people, particularly women, face additional barriers that make access to sport and recreation more difficult than for other young people in Australia. These barriers include things such as:
- Lack of familiarity with the structure of sporting clubs and associations.
- Language barriers.
- Lack of priority given to sport by parents.
- Lack of transport.
- Fear of racism or discrimination.
- Cost.
- Lack of culturally appropriate venues and facilities.
- Cultural/religious obligations.
How can parents in clubs make a difference?
- Provide a welcoming environment.
- Befriend new members.
- Offer support and advice.
- Be sensitive to diversity.
- Make a stand against discrimination or racial harassment.
- Offer help with transport.
- Share sports equipment.
- Help new members learn the rules.
- Be aware that people who speak English as their first language tend to speak quickly which may be difficult for a person learning English to comprehend. Try to speak clearly and avoid slang, but don’t speak with a false accent, shout, or talk too slowly.
- Take time to develop relationships.
- Be open and honest. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is fine to ask a person questions about where they have come from; how they like Australia; what sports they like playing etc.
Handy tips when working with CaLD and Indigenous groups
- Make it visual.
- Keep it simple.
- Walk in their shoes.
- Remember that there are many ways of communicating, so even if someone has limited English they can still join in.
- Make it fun!
If you know someone from a CaLD or Indigenous background who would like to get their child involved in a sporting club, go to the ‘Multicultural’ section of the Department of Sport and Recreation website to find out how.
Source:
The Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues. (2005). Tip sheet for clubs. Retrieved on the 13/11/09, from
http://www.cmy.net.au/Assets/334/1/SportTips_02_InclusiveClubs.pdf
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