Aboriginal Literacy Foundation
Improving literacy skills amongst indigenous young people
With the support of the James N. Kirby Foundation, the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation was able to launch a new literacy tutoring project in the North West region of Victoria. The project has been a wonderful success. With this funding support we were able to recruit and train 4 volunteer tutors to work with 55 indigenous students.
The literacy tutoring program was designed for the most disadvantaged, marginalized and isolated indigenous children experiencing major learning difficulties. The service is mainly delivered by volunteer school teachers who act as tutors to the children. At a crucial time in a child’s life, the program acts as a unique “stepping stone” into improved literacy and life skills.
We are pleased to note that we had a 82% retention of the students throughout the program and saw some excellent individual literacy gains. Other important outcomes were an improvement in the student’s self-worth and confidence and greater community participation and positive involvement with peers and family.
Thank you to the James N. Kirby Foundation for their partnership with the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation.
Dr Tony Cree
CEO, Australian Literacy Foundation