Stand Up for Literacy and First Languages

Five reasons why the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is working to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have access to books in First Languages. And five ways you can help.

1. Books in First Languages strengthen identity and wellbeing

For First Nations children in remote Australia, there is an enormous and long-term positive impact of having access to culturally relevant books, audio stories, and animations in First Languages. Abundant research shows that if you learn to read in your First Language, you have more success learning a second, third or fourth language, like English.

A current project at ILF is the translation of several well-known titles such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Where is the Green Sheep? which we are translating into up to 10 languages! Imagine the thrill a child will get when they open one of their favourite books and it is written in the language they speak at home!

Learning your First Language can also help to strengthen identity, pride, culture, and connection to Community and Country. This year, our Community Publishing Projects program is on track to publish 40 books in 22 First Languages, helping to preserve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and stories for generations to come.

ILF staff Tictac Moore and Bella Puruntatameri. Photo credit: Mamanata Consulting

2. Children need access to books

Can you imagine not having access to books to read to the young children in your life?

Access to books in remote Communities is challenging, as there are often no libraries or bookstores. In fact, a library can be a 9-hour drive away or even a 40-minute flight on a small plane.

ILF’s Book Supply program meets this need by providing new, culturally relevant books to remote Communities across Australia. Remote schools, Community health, and women’s centres working in remote Communities can order Book Supply packs and distribute age-appropriate books to children and families.

Tiwi Islands. Photo credit: Tiffany Parker

3. Early literacy is important

Transitioning to big school is challenging at the best of times. At ILF, we know it can be easier if children and their families have had access to books and reading materials in their First Languages.

This year, we have 90 playgroups registered for our Book Buzz program. It’s hard to imagine a playgroup without books and learning resources. The value of getting mums, dads and bubs into a space to read to their little ones, to teach them how to hold a book, turn the pages, and guess what happens next, is vital for early literacy development and future reading success.

Wanhaka Yothu Yiŋaṉi Book launch in Yirrkala

4. It is the first year of UNESCO’s Decade of Indigenous Languages

The Los Pintos Declaration, the roadmap for UNESCO’s Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032, emphasises Indigenous peoples rights to freedom of expression, to an education in their mother tongue, and to participate in public life using their languages, as prerequisites for survival of Indigenous languages. The ILF works to meet the wishes of remote Communities across Australia, to assist with the publishing of books created by Community, many in First Languages as well as to fund the development of digital, audio, or other learning resources and workshops.

Tiwi Islands. Photo credit: Tiffany Parker

5. Literacy is a human right

Literacy is a navigation skill; it gives kids the ability to navigate the world around them. It provides a fundamental step of building context, comprehension and understanding, whether it is written, visual or auditory. For kids who miss that foundational step in their literacy journey, it has a lifelong impact. Literacy is fundamentally a human right.

Five ways you can help

Together, let’s stand up for literacy and First Languages. Here’s how:

1. Learn more about First Nations stories and languages. Read books, articles or watch documentaries that share our shared history.
2. ILF offers a range of quality, bilingual and beautifully illustrated children’s books for sale at our online shop – shop.ilf.org.au
3. Watch some of our short videos sharing stories and languages here: https://www.youtube.com/user/IndigenousLiteracy
4. Host a Great Book Swap fundraising event at your school, workplace or social group. It is fun and engaging and everyone walks home with a new (reused) favourite book.
5. As an independent charity, the ILF receives no Government funding. This helps us to remain dynamic and responsive to Community needs and plan for long-term, sustainable impact. It also means that we rely solely on the generosity of donors. Reading opens doors and a generous donation can open doors to a planet of possibilities. If you can, please help us continue our vital work – donate.ilf.org.au. Thank you.