Hands Across the Nation Appeal

2009 Hands Across the Nation Appeal - Wrap Up

ALNF would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who gave generously to the 2009 Hands Across the Nation (HATN) Indigenous Literacy Appeal.

The ALNF HATN Indigenous Literacy Appeal was a huge success in raising awareness of the urgent need to act on Indigenous literacy. The Appeal was also successful in making history - twice! The Sydney Morning Herald's First Words series on indigenous literacy (marked by the "I Care" symbol) included the first-ever publication of Indigenous First Language on the cover of the SMH.

> View/download the full series

Channel 7, Network 10, ABC TV, Aurora TV and NITV ran Australia's first major television commercial featuring an Indigenous First Language voiceover with English sub-titles - the HATN Appeal commercial (see below.) The ad has now been archived by the National Film & Sound Archive for future generations of Australians to see.

The Wall of Hands event in Martin Place, Sydney, was an enormous success with thousands of people attending throughout the day to show they care about Indigenous literacy.

ALNF would like to thank all our Appeal Ambassadors and Supporters for their dedication and support leading up to and during the HATN Appeal. We look forward to everyone's continued support in 2010.

> Further media coverage of ALNF's HATN Indigenous Literacy Appeal

Video footage from the Inaugural Wall of Hands Event

2009 Hands Across the Nation Appeal

Hands up who cares that only one in five children in remote Indigenous communities can read at the accepted minimum standard?

The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) is holding a national Hands Across the Nation Indigenous Literacy Appeal during the last week of November (Mon 23 - Sun 29). ALNF is seeking public support to continue meeting the overwhelming demand to help the most marginalised Australians access vital literacy and numeracy skills.

Four out of five Indigenous children living in remote communities can't read at the accepted minimum standard. It's a simple but shocking statistic that every Australian should care about. And now there is something you can do about it.

By supporting the work of ALNF you'll be helping give Indigenous kids the fundamental literacy skills they need to build successful and fulfilling lives.

Hands Across the Nation Indigenous Literacy Appeal - Television Commercial

For a sneak preview of our Appeal television commercial please play the video below.

The Wall of Hands - Thursday 26 November, Martin Place Sydney

On Thursday 26 November from 7am ALNF will erect a giant Wall of Hands in Martin Place, Sydney. During the morning high profile supporters of the Hands Across the Nation Indigenous Literacy Appeal will be dipping their hands in paint and placing their handprints on the Wall to show They Care.

Join ALNF and its supporters and show You Care about Indigenous literacy by signing your name on the Wall of Hands from 7am til late on Thursday 26 November.

ALNF photographers will be available at the event so make sure to put up your hand and be photographed showing your support!

Make sure to get a copy of the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday 26 November to get your hands on a limited edition Hands Across the Nation tattoo. Wear the tattoo as a symbol of your support for Indigenous literacy.

Join ALNF's Hands Across the Nation Literacy Appeal on Facebook now to have your say, follow updates and take a look at behind the scenes footage of the campaign.

The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation

In recent years ALNF has trained and supported more than 150 teachers and carers. We've established more than 250 community mentors, and improved the literacy skills of more than 1000 Indigenous children, but there is so much more to do. With every school year comes another opportunity to reverse the statistics and improve the future for Indigenous children. Don't let that opportunity slip away. Please give to the Hands Across the Nation Indigenous Literacy Appeal now.

From its earliest days, ALNF has been focused on joining hands with marginalised communities, community leaders, corporate partners and supporters as the best way to tackle some of society's toughest challenges.

ALNF acknowledges the extensive assistance provided by the Sydney Morning Herald and all those who have put up their hands in support of our inaugural Indigenous literacy appeal.

Make a Donation Today

Show you care about Indigenous literacy by donating online. Simply go to our donations page