Multicultural Excursions – Nature Excursions for New Migrants
About the Program
Our multicultural excursions in Melbourne’s iconic foreshore and parklands brings students and new migrants together for volunteering and environmental activities. They learn about native species, enjoy cultural storytelling, and connect with nature while immersing themselves in Australia’s scenic beauty.
We collaborate with students from various English proficiency levels in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Young Adult Migrant Education Course (YAMEC), fostering a sense of belonging in their new country. Together, we empower young and adult migrants to overcome barriers in environmental volunteering.
Activities
Each session contains two activities that can support long-term care for nature.
First, we do Connection activities, where students are introduced to native wildlife by using their senses (smell, view, sight, hearing) through guided walks and ID bingos. Students walk and learn to recognize native plants, birds, and shells and familiarize themselves with new words to describe wildlife. Then, we do an Action activity where students have the opportunity to volunteer and have a positive impact on the environment. These hands-on activities can include learning to use the iNaturalist app to identify and photograph nature, planting, weeding, clean ups, water bugs monitoring, and more.
At the end of the session, students will learn new words, feel empowered to explore nature safely and get tools to keep connecting with nature in their everyday lives.
Impacts to date
Over the past 4 years:
- Collaborated with 8 English Program and multicultural service providers and 4 nature-based volunteering groups.
- Guided 1500+ culturally and linguistically diverse volunteers.
- Upskilled 80+ English teachers, health officers and support workers.
- Developed 8 inclusive nature exploration activities.
- Worked with students from 20+ countries speaking 12+ languages.
Logistics
We prioritise inclusivity by offering morning tea, transportation, and English as Additional Language (EAL) resources for effective communication.
These amenities create a welcoming environment, enabling participants from diverse backgrounds to enjoy environmental volunteering in a community setting.
All multicultural excursions are free to ensure accessibility for all and that cost is not a barrier.
Join Us
If you are interested in joining our fun multicultural activities, or if you have any further questions about it, please contact our Environmental Project Manager Catalina Mardones.
Email: catalina@ecocentre.com
This project is offered by the Port Phillip EcoCentre, and has been proudly supported by the Port Phillip Bay Fund, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Foote Fund, and Melbourne Water.
