Introduction

Introduction

Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world.

• 23.8% of Victoria's population were born overseas
• 43.69% Victorians have a parent who was born overseas
• Victorians come from more than 200 countries
• Victorians speak more than 230 languages and dialects.
• Victorians follow more than 120 religious faiths

For the purposes of data collection, a person is Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) if 2 of the following criteria are met:

• the individual or at least 1 parent is born overseas
• the individual speaks a language other than English at home
• the individual has a culturally and linguistically diverse background

The Department recognises, promotes and celebrates the cultural, religious, racial and linguistic diversity of the families, children and young people to whom it provides education and early childhood services from birth to 24 years. It recognises that education and early childhood development services are critical to the success of multicultural communities and a prosperous and harmonious Victorian society.

Schools, early childhood services and higher education providers have a strong history of embracing cultural diversity through respectful and supportive environments where difference is valued and innovative learning and teaching practices ensure the needs of young people are met.

Across key policies and strategies, and through service agreements with providers, the Department seeks to ensure culturally sensitive services to the Victorian community. Examples include global and multicultural citizenship programs.

Stakeholders are central to informed Departmental services. The Department ensures that multicultural perspectives are identified and advanced through consultation and engagement with the Victorian Multicultural Commission and other stakeholder organisations and communities.