Reconciliation Australia was pleased to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) as they launched Indigenous Literacy Day at Parliament House in Canberra today.
The ILF aims to improve literacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children—particularly those who live in remote or isolated communities.
In bigger towns and cities, schools rely on parents, communities and local businesses to raise money to purchase books—however in remote areas there’s sometimes little opportunity for fundraising. This is where the ILF comes in. Over the past two years the foundation has worked with many partners to send over 60,000 books to more than 200 remote communities.
The latest project Book Buzz is focused on early literacy—recording Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and translating books into local languages.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up in a rich culture surrounded by many different languages, including English. Incorporating local languages into reading programs is a great way for all children to learn and to actively participate in reconciliation.
What’s also important is increasing the confidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through reading and writing and enabling them the skills they need to pursue other educational opportunities.
Speaking at the launch in Canberra day, Governor-General Quentin Bryce spoke of the importance in continuing to support children living in remote areas—whether it’s through donating books or funds we all have our part to play.
To support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation or learn more about events happening this week visit: http://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/
