As a leader in Indigenous recruitment, we are proud to support Indigenous Literacy Day 2022 which will take place on 7 September this year. With the aim to help support literacy in remote communities across the country, this is a worthy cause to get behind for all Australians.
Read on to learn more about Indigenous Literacy Day and find out how you can contribute to positive change.
The History of Indigenous Literacy Day
Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) is hosted by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, an Australian not-for-profit charity that aims to improve literacy in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It started in 2004 when former teacher and Brisbane bookstore owner Suzy Wilson created the Riverbend Readers Challenge to raise funds to boost literacy levels, eventually becoming the successful national event we now celebrate annually.
Taking place on the first Wednesday of September each year, the event raises awareness of the educational struggles facing many Indigenous groups in Australia, while also serving as a fundraiser to collect literary resources for children living in more isolated areas of the country.
Providing more than just books, Indigenous Literacy Day celebrates Aboriginal culture and the stories and languages that helped to build the country we know today. Indigenous literacy is important not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for everyone who believes in preserving our unique heritage and creating opportunities for fellow Australians.
What is Indigenous Literacy Day About?
Aboriginal groups face many challenges in today’s world, with education and literacy being some of the most prominent. Did you know that there is an approximate gap of 2.5 years between the literacy rates of non-Indigenous and Indigenous children? Plus, only 34.9% of Indigenous students in isolated areas met or exceeded the National Minimum Standards for Year 7 reading in 2014.
Indigenous Literacy Day this year features a group of children in Jilkminggan and Milikapiti in the Northern Territory. They are sharing their cultures, languages and stories with the world after a call from ILF Ambassador and music icon, Jessica Mauboy. The children proudly teach her a well-loved song in Tiwi and Mangarrayi, before ILF Ambassador, author and performer, Gregg Dreise sings the song in Gamilaraay Yuwaalaraay.
All those watching this wonderful event will be encouraged to sing along in three different languages, from three separate places while moving their bodies at the same time. It’s an event for all ages as the story is magical and the experience is immersive, led by children who are sharing just a snippet of life in remote Australia.
2022 is the first year of UNESCO’s Decade of Indigenous Languages. Indigenous Literacy Day celebrates and promotes the revitalisation and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages now and for future generations of Indigenous children.
How Can I Get Involved in Indigenous Literacy Day?
Whether you’re a school, a business or an individual, there are plenty of ways to get involved this Indigenous Literacy Day. Here are just a few ideas:
- Donating through the website.
- Hold a Great Book Swap or a fundraising event, such as a morning tea.
- Buy an ILF t-shirt or tote bag for your family and friends to raise awareness.
- Purchase Indigenous children’s books to read to your kids.
- Become a regular giver or set up workplace giving.
- Make your organisation a partner.
- Support the cause on social media and tag @IndigenousLiteracyFoundation on Facebook and Instagram, and @IndigenousLF on Twitter
Summary
At First People Recruitment Solutions, we advocate for Indigenous Australians every day – whether it’s through participation in Indigenous Literacy Day and other initiatives, or through our inclusive recruitment strategies. We connect top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates with the best opportunities across the country, which helps us to give you that edge in the market.
To find out more about the difference we make in Indigenous recruitment or for help with navigating the recruitment process, reach out to our friendly team any time.
