Education Apps - Education and Experiences

January: A Guide to Celebrating Cultural Dates

As the year comes to a close and the new year begins, January and is full of important days that celebrate various aspects of culture, religion, and history. Featuring dates from Cultural Infusion’s expertly designed Cultural Calendar, we take a look at some of January’s culturally and globally significant dates; focusing on new beginnings, health and wellbeing, and education. Some notable January days that have global relevance include World Braille Day, and International Day of Education. These days foster discourse about important topics, honour achievements, and commemorate the history of countries across the world. The first month of the year marks a period of exploration and new beginnings, filled with possibilities and opportunities. Recognised as International Creativity Month and Self-Love Month, it encourages individuals to explore new hobbies, interests, skills, and passions. In the spirit of exploration, our Multicultural All-Day or Half-Day program offers a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism through a wide variety of engaging and interactive experiences. Participants actively take part in a range of activities and artistic expressions, exploring themes such as language, culture, and history, showcasing a diverse array of cultural programs that contribute to a rich and enlightening experience. Each month of the year has days that hold special significance, making them worth remembering and celebrating. Here, we have shared the details about some commonly celebrated dates in January. Feast of St Basil 1st January St Basil the Great was a leader and a saint of the Orthodox Christian Church, who lived in Cappadocia and served the community with generosity and compassion. He is remembered on the Feast of St Basil, when people bake a special cake called Vasilopita, which has a coin hidden inside. This tradition comes from the bishop’s practice of giving money to the poor. On this day, people also visit their friends and relatives, and celebrate their culture and history together. Our founder and CEO Peter Mousaferiadis is proud of his Greek Orthodox background and heritage. He has received recognition from the Greek community for his work and achievements. He shares the same vision as St Basil the Great, which is to promote intercultural harmony around the world. Cultural Infusion is inspired by the diversity and uniqueness of each human being, and aims to create a better understanding of our society. International Mind-Body Wellness Day 3rd January January 3rd is celebrated as International Mind-Body Wellness Day and is an opportunity to celebrate how a healthy mind means a healthy body as the connection between them plays an integral role in our overall health and well-being. This day highlights the ways that we can elevate our mind-body wellness and promote physical and mental health. Everything from mindfulness, meditation, and spirituality, is encouraged! Our Yoga and Mindfulness program, available in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, helps students recalibrate for the new school year. Incorporating breath work, flexibility, and strength exercises, the program promotes mental and physical well-being. Students learn flowing yoga postures, classical hand gestures, meditation and breath techniques. Didgeridoo Mindfulness Journey is another fantastic program in Victoria this is a perfect way to re-calibrate the mind and body. Through this engaging program, participants delve into three stories depicting children’s global discovery of the didgeridoo. The session concludes with a didgeridoo meditation, providing a holistic experience for all involved. World Braille Day 4th January World Braille Day, on January 4th, celebrates Louis Braille’s birthday, the inventor of the Braille system empowering millions with visual impairments. This tactile writing system fosters accessibility, education, and social inclusion, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities. The day honours Louis Braille’s enduring legacy, enriching countless lives globally. Australia celebrates January as National Braille Literacy Month. World Hindi Day 10th January Also known as Vishwa Hindi Diwas, World Hindi Day is celebrated on January 10th each year to promote and honour the Hindi language as one of the most widely spoken languages globally. This day marks the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference held in 1975. Hindi plays a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding and connecting people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Our Bollywood Infusion program (available Australia-wide) and Classical Indian Dance program (available in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia), provide a vibrant cultural experience to engage students in the joy of movement, rhythm, and diversity. These are excellent programs to celebrate World Hindi Day, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian artforms, traditions and culture. International Kite Day 14th January International Kite Day is a global celebration of the joy and art of flying kites. The day symbolises freedom and joy, turning the sky into a canvas adorned with creative designs in a range of colours. It’s a day of shared experiences and community, celebrating the beauty of flight and the simple pleasure of seeing kites dance in the wind. Our Chinese Kite Making workshop in Victoria offers students a hands-on cultural experience, crafting traditional Chinese kites and learning the cultural significance of the traditional art of Chinese Kite Making, perfect for International Kite Day. World Religion Day 15th January World Religion Day is a global event that recognises the significant role religion plays in fostering connections among humanity. Rooted in Baha’i principles, the day advocates for universal equality and promotes a deeper interfaith understanding, strengthening bonds across all communities. Over time, World Religion Day has evolved beyond exclusive celebrations by Baha’i followers, embracing interfaith dialogue that welcomes and shares perspectives from various faiths. Our CEO, Peter Mousaferiadis, has been a dedicated member of the United Religions Initiative (URI), actively involved in promoting interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution. The URI’s continuous initiatives have brought together esteemed individuals from across the globe to engage in discussions on peace-building and conflict transformation at both local and global scales. At Cultural Infusion, we firmly believe that fostering intercultural understanding and solidarity is a crucial step towards creating a more harmonious world. National Handwriting Day 23rd January National Handwriting Day, celebrated on January 23rd, encourages the appreciation of the art of handwriting. Commemorating the birthday of John Hancock, known for his distinctive signature on the Declaration of Independence, the day emphasises the personal touch of handwritten communication and has since been celebrated internationally. In a digital age, it reminds us of the uniqueness and cognitive benefits of handwriting, encouraging people to take a moment engage in the act of penmanship. Our Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) program provides an opportunity for students to develop their writing skills and appreciate the beauty of Japanese characters. Available in Victoria for both schools and early childhood, students of all ages will get to explore the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy. Similarly, primary and secondary school students in New South Wales can practice their Chinese calligraphy in our Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Ink Painting program, engaging in a meaningful and culturally enriching practice. International Day of Education 24th January The International Day of Education, highlights the crucial role of education in promoting peace, development, and human rights globally. Established by the United Nations, the day emphasises the importance of inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all. The International Day of Education is a call to collaborate and address global education challenges and reaffirms the belief that education is a fundamental human right, essential for building a sustainable and just future. Cultural Infusion provides a variety of educational programs dedicated to fostering creativity. In addition to our diverse range of in-person and virtual programs, we offer a comprehensive musical digital platform, Sound Infusion which is designed for students to discover the richness of global music. Sound Infusion, guides students on a global auditory exploration with music samples from various regions, including Latin America and South East Asia. We emphasise transformative education, encouraging students to perceive the social world through a creative and ethical lens. Australia Day / Invasion Day 26th January Known by many people as Australia Day, January 26 is the anniversary of Captain Arthur Phillip’s landing in Sydney Cove in 1788. Representing pride, patriotism, and achievement, Australia Day is a day of celebration and festivities for some. However, for First Nations Peoples, it’s known as Invasion Day. A day of trauma, Invasion Day marks the impact of dispossession, loss of culture, and the profound consequences of British colonisation and the Stolen Generation on their communities. While it’s important to acknowledge Australia’s national achievements and celebrate national pride, it’s equally vital to empathise with and comprehend the ongoing postcolonial trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, along with the negative associations linked to this day. As a nation, it’s important to strive for greater harmony, necessitating reflection and amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Cultural Infusion places significance on personal reflection on January 26 and every day of the year, advocating for enhanced intercultural understanding and confronting previously held beliefs of national pride and heritage. We believe First Nations perspectives need to be heard and valued. Our Aboriginal programs at Cultural Infusion are available in many states across Australia, and are open learning environments for promoting interculturalism and connection between modern and traditional Australia. Aboriginal Infusion is a perfect interactive and engaging introduction to the rich, continuing traditions and cultural aspects of Australia’s first people. Available in Queensland and Victoria, this program features dance and Didgeridoo. Aboriginal Storytelling and Artefacts combines storytelling, artefacts and interactive activities, to introduce students to the history of Aboriginal tools, creating an engaging session for your students in New South Wales, Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory. International Environmental Education Day 26th January International Environmental Education Day, observed on January 26th, promotes environmental awareness and the pivotal role of education in sustainable development. This day encourages learning about environmental challenges, conservation, and sustainable practices, aiming to inspire positive actions for the planet. It serves as a reminder that informed individuals are crucial for building a more environmentally conscious global community. Our Caring for Country program in Queensland provides students with the opportunity to connect with the environment and foster an understanding of Indigenous sustainability practices. Through engaging activities and educational content, students develop an appreciation for nature and gain valuable insights into the importance of environmental conservation. Book your January celebrations now! Explore our cultural programs available Australia-wide to celebrate important dates for the beginning of the new year! We will join you again next month to bring you cultural dates to celebrate in February.

Learning Lands – Our award-winning online learning platform

Welcome to Learning Lands! With over 20 years of experience delivering programs to educational facilities across Australia, Learning Lands has been developed together with teachers, designers, illustrators, and writers. It is a new and dynamic learning platform that provides engaging educational material for both students and teachers to learn about the world of diverse cultures. From interactive games to stories and music, Learning Lands is a diverse learning space where students can explore where they learn best. Learning Lands can be explored on our website here. By booking one of our many cultural education programs on offer, you will get 3 months of complimentary premium access to Learning Lands, with integrated teaching resources, hundreds of lesson plans that are Australian Curriculum coded, digital tools, videos, links, and a digital music studio of instruments from around the world. This will not only further complement the classroom curriculum but will also help promote a harmonious and inclusive learning environment for teachers and students. Joko’s World in Learning platform For ages: Pre-school – Year 6 Ready to explore and learn about the world? Welcome to Joko’s World! Our internationally recognised and award-winning platform, Joko’s World, features a wide range of interactive and immersive educational gaming apps and stories. Designed for Early Childhood and primary school students, each game is based on the stories of the main character Joko, the blue bird who travels around the world. Students will gain invaluable cultural knowledge and understanding through their engagement with stories, games, and further learning resources. Mobile games range from playing instruments to solving jigsaw puzzles and exploring different festivals around the world. From playing the flute through your phone to creating your own comic, in Joko’s World, the opportunities are endless. Joko’s World provides diverse learning of geography, music, culture, and history from around the world through an engaging age suitable platform. This will aid in young people’s development by fostering curiosity, openness, and intercultural harmony. Sound Infusion For ages: Pre-school, Year 1 – Year 10 Did someone say music? Welcome to Sound infusion! Do you love the sound of the Egyptian bindīr, and also the Chinese bāwū? At Sound Infusion you can combine them both along with instrumental sounds from many more countries. Our award-winning digital sound studio Sound Infusion allows students of all ages to explore original recorded sounds of instruments from over 80 countries! From the Australian Didgeridoo to the Mo Nhip in Vietnam, this is musical diversity like no other. Research shows that diverse learning approaches including the use of music, has many benefits for the development of children such as expanding agency and respect for others. Students will have the opportunity to sample and create their own sound combinations leading to their own unique piece of culturally diverse tunes. Sound infusion also offers an interactive map feature showing where each instrument originates from, along with providing geographic and cultural knowledge. Therefore, Sound Infusion’s unique interdisciplinary learning platform will further facilitate in strengthening intercultural understanding and harmony through music. Mungo Explorer For ages: Year 4 & Year 7 Welcome to Mungo Explorer! If you teach Years 4 or 7, get ready to dive into the captivating history of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. With a legacy stretching back over 50,000 years, these traditional cultures stands as one of the world’s oldest and most intriguing. Our journey begins at Lake Mungo, nestled in the scenic landscapes of New South Wales, Australia. This ancient site not only holds deep cultural significance for First Nations communities but also offers a glimpse into Earth’s climatic history, including its experience during the ice age. Imagine Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ancestors gathering around its shores, drawing both sustenance and spiritual strength from its waters. Guiding our exploration is the groundbreaking work of Geologist Jim Bowler. His discoveries have reshaped our understanding of human history, shedding light on the profound connections between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures and the land. Through his findings, we unravel a narrative woven with both spiritual reverence and scientific insight. In Mungo Explorer, we offer a variety of engaging lesson plans to suit different learning styles. From hands-on arts and crafts to immersive First Nations storytelling, our activities actively involve students in exploring traditional cultures, gaining valuable insights, and understanding. Through this interactive approach, students develop a deep appreciation and respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander histories. By embracing a multidisciplinary approach that bridges spiritual and scientific knowledge, Mungo Explorer aims to instill in students a deep appreciation and respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritages. Through our journey together, we not only uncover the rich history of Australian identity but also learn the importance of honouring and preserving the cultural legacy that shapes us as a nation. At the end of the program students will be equipped with deeper insights into Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories and a gained respect for the world’s oldest surviving culture. Intercultural Understanding For all ages Our Intercultural Understanding program is a cornerstone of our educational approach across all year levels, designed to instill in students a deep appreciation for the importance of respecting diverse cultures. Rooted in the Australian curriculum, our program offers a safe and engaging space for students to explore, learn, and collaborate. Our resources are carefully crafted to guide students through a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration. Activities such as “Exploring Personal Identity” and “Developing Intercultural Competency” serve as catalysts for reflection and growth, empowering students to navigate the complexities of cultural diversity with sensitivity and insight. Drawing from various disciplines including History, Geography, and Languages, our program provides a comprehensive learning experience that caters to diverse learning styles. Whether through individual reflection or group collaboration, students are encouraged to actively engage with and appreciate the richness of cultural diversity. At the heart of our program is a commitment to fostering genuine appreciation and celebration of cultural differences. By equipping students with the skills and mindset necessary to embrace diversity, we aim to cultivate a generation that values inclusivity and actively contributes to building intercultural harmony. As we look towards the future, we are confident that the lessons learned through our program will empower students to become compassionate and culturally aware leaders in an increasingly interconnected world. ICAP (Intercultural Citizenship Ambassador Program) For ages: Year 5 – Year 10 Let us delve into our Intercultural Citizenship Ambassador Program, or ICAP for short, tailored for students from Years 5 to 10. This comprehensive initiative, comprising two parts with a total of 16 sessions, serves as a vital tool in fostering cultural harmony within school environments. ICAP offers an engaging blend of interactive activities, facilitated discussions, and immersive experiences, providing students with a hands-on approach to intercultural learning. Through these sessions, participants develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning, alongside cultivating leadership abilities to advocate for cultural harmony and respect. By the program’s conclusion, students will be equipped with a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity and the interpersonal skills necessary to navigate diverse environments with sensitivity and empathy. Our ICAP not only prepares students for success in an increasingly interconnected world but also cultivates a culture of inclusivity and appreciation for diversity within school communities. Australia remains one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations and continues to diversify. Therefore, the importance of embedding intercultural understanding in education, remains crucial in promoting harmony in diverse communities. Book a Cultural Education Program with us and Receive 3 Months Complimentary Access to Learning Lands Our cultural education incursions cater to all year levels and audiences; providing interactive, vibrant, and memorable programs. Available Australia-wide, booking a program with us now will include free premium level access to Learning Lands for all teachers/educators at your facility for a period of 3 months! Explore our range of programs HERE and book today via our enquiry form or give us a call on 03 9412 6666.

Symbolic Art Workshop - Professional development

Cultural Infusion’s Comprehensive Professional Development and Resource

In today’s interconnected world, education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about nurturing an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment that prepares students for the diverse global landscape they will encounter. Here at Cultural Infusion, we offer a comprehensive range of curriculum-aligned programs and resources for educators, both virtual and in-person formats nationwide. Live Professional Development Programs We offer a range of interactive live sessions related to intercultural education, led by experienced facilitators and experts. Our sessions are crafted to equip teachers with the tools and insights needed to create culturally sensitive, inclusive and enriching learning environments. Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives in the Classroom: Designed to support teachers in addressing the Intercultural Capability component of the Australian Curriculum, this live session will provide teachers and educators with the necessary tools to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments for students. With its interactive format, including lecture slides, activities, practical resources and engaging discussion, teachers will gain invaluable skills and knowledge to prepare students for our increasingly interconnected world. Intercultural Competency in the Classroom: Aligned with the Cross Curriculum priority in the Australian Curriculum of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, this session will support teachers in respectfully and appropriately teaching this area of study. Co-facilitated by a First Nations presenter, the session will foster a safe and inclusive environment built on mutual respect and intercultural understanding. By engaging in the stories, knowledge, histories and experiences of First Nations peoples, and learning from one another, participants will learn the importance of positive reconciliation. The key objective of the session is to inspire reflection and critical thinking and provide important perspectives to honour First Nations voices in the classroom. Introducing DEI in Education: This live session will provide an introduction to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and apply its principles, practices and challenges to educational settings. The facilitator will provide teachers with new ideas and perspectives to ensure students feel represented, valued and included in the classroom. This will take an interactive format including lecture slides, activities, practical resources and engaging discussion. By fostering a safe and open environment for students, they will develop their critical and creative thinking and be empowered to reach their full potential. To recieve a personalised quote for any of the above sessions, submit an enquiry via the Education and Experiences website. Complementary Resources Educators receive access to complementary resources with every booking of our cultural education programs. These can include: Lesson Plans and Teacher Resource Notes: Equipping educators with expertly crafted plans to integrate cultural awareness and understanding seamlessly into the classroom. Student Learning Resources: Engaging materials that help students embrace and explore the world’s diverse cultures. Intercultural Understanding Guides: Comprehensive guides that assist educators in navigating the complexities of diversity, whilst fostering open and respectful dialogues within the classroom. Digital Resources: Exploring the World Virtually Cultural Infusion extends its impact beyond conventional resources with innovative digital platforms, designed to spark curiosity and exploration in an age-appropriate way Joko’s World: Catering to pre-school-aged children, this interactive game introduces children to the world’s musical instruments and cultural festivities through the captivating journey of Joko the Nightingale. Mungo Explorer: Delving into science, geology, and archaeology, this platform unravels the ancient story behind the world’s oldest ritual burials, enriching students’ understanding of our shared human history. Sound Infusion: An online platform that encourages inquiry-based learning by enabling students to craft musical arrangements using instrument samples sourced from all over the world! This term, my students have enjoyed their experiences with Sound Infusion. Using the student onboarding PDF provided, they logged on without difficultly. They enjoyed looking at instruments from different countries and learning about them, and accessing the arranging studio, hearing files to add into their own songs. It was great to have a close relationship with the creator of the program, which allowed us to easily troubleshoot any issues as new users. Tia – Kirwan State High School Free Webinars throughout the School Year Our easily accesible and informative pre-recorded webinars cover a number of topics including: Introduction to Intercultural Understanding and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Discover strategies to foster a harmonious classroom environment where diverse voices are celebrated and respected. Cultural Celebrations in the Classroom: Explore ways to integrate cultural celebrations and acknowledgements into the curriculum, encouraging appreciation and understanding of various traditions and teachings. Classroom Activities to Embrace Diversity: Tailored for pre-primary, primary and secondary school-level students, the activities in this program nurture curiosity and understanding, promoting inclusivity within an education setting. This was such a beneficial webinar and made me think about what I do and how I do it. Thank you. I had a very long day but it was totally worth my time to participate in your interactive and highly motivating webinar. Stacey, Wingham High School Register Your Interest The Education and Experiences Team is always eager to help. Feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected], or you can give us a call at 1800 010 069.