Literacy group breaking down barriers to books

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is reflecting on its first year of work, saying it’s been a period of many challenges.

The Foundation has provided books to over 200 communities around the country.

The group has also set up a number of programs, including translating children books to local traditional languages in Warburton in Western Australia after requests by the community.

Initial success of the program earlier in the year has now seen a second round of translated books being rolled-out.

Program Manager Debra Dank says the children feel proud to see their favourite books in their own language.

Debra Dank:

The playgroup convener reported back that, in the first half of this year, they had 90 different adults attend a playgroup [and] that their reading time has had to be extended because of the interest in engaging with the books.  It's very encouraging and tells us that we're on the right track.

Voice ends.

Another project the ILF undertook was setting up a community reading space in Yakanarra in Western Australia.

Debra Dank says building lasting relationships with communities is one of the most rewarding aspects of the group’s work.

Debra Dank:

You can’t go down to the corner store and pick up the local paper or magazine…Not only are we dealing with communities who don’t have standard Australian English as their first language, but we’re dealing with communities who don’t have access to a whole lot of things that support the general community in developing the ability to read.

Voice ends.

Only one in five children living in a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory can read at the basic minimum standard, and this has lasting ramifications on their future education.

Click here for the full interview with Debra Dank - Part 1

Click here for the full interview with Debra Dank - Part 2