Community Action Support (CAS)
A youth participation model of literacy support improving educational and employment opportunities for young Indigenous Australians in rural and remote areas.
ALNF facilitates a cross-generational literacy-tutoring program, through which young Indigenous high school students provide reading and writing support for children at their local primary school.
It is important that education is valued by individuals of all ages. The young people participating in the CAS program are perceived as positive role models and vehicles of change in their community.
The CAS program is designed to provide the high school students with the necessary support and resources so that they can be effective in their literacy teaching in both English and First Language. The long-term aim is to continue to encourage the high school students to develop skills that will assist them in their transition to tertiary study, or the workplace by providing them with the necessary knowledge and opportunities to practice literacy, leadership and learning.
Currently, CAS is conducted in Tennant Creek (NT) in conjunction with Papulu Apparr-Kari Indigenous Language Centre who, alongside ALNF, provides the mentors with training in cultural awareness, Indigenous First Languages and effective literacy teaching strategies.
An interactive online resource library and discussion forum has been developed so that teachers and students can, despite long distances, access resources and post comments, suggestions and make requests.
Student teachers from the University of Western Sydney also experience a four-week placement in the local community to further mentor these valuable young people.
This ALNF program provides educational institutions and volunteer bodies with a sustainable, youth participation model of literacy support with the goal of improving educational and employment opportunities for young Indigenous Australians in rural and remote areas.
The ALNF's CAS program has been made possible through the generous support of The Coca-Cola Australia Foundation.
Participating Universities:
- The University of Western Sydney
Participating Schools:
- Tennant Creek Primary School
- Tennant Creek High School
Participating Local Agency:
- Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Language Centre
Case Study
Richelle Watson, Tennant Creek
Richelle Watson is a resilient, candid Indigenous Year 10 student at Tennant Creek High School. Originally from Mt Isa, Richelle now resides in Tennant Creek, where she has plenty of extended family in town and the surrounding area. She is a speaker of the Warumungu language. Richelle is a talented young person with a passion for language who aims to become a teacher. The CCAF-supported Community Literacy initiative is one piece of the puzzle to support Richelle in her aims and her growth to be strong leader in the local and wider community. Her participation in this program is one reason among many to explain why Richelle has been nominated by her school and the community to be part of the NT Department of Education and Training's Indigenous Student's Leadership & Mentor (ISLMP) Program. ALNF's Community Literacy initiative has provided Richelle with the platform and the support to gain proficiency in the skills and experiences that she requires to pursue her goals.
> View/download complete case study (pdf)
> View/download Sydney Morning Herald article (pdf)
Recent News
Nov 13 - The Best Way to Learn is to Teach: ALNF's Community Action Support Program (CAS) Playing a Significant Role in Tennant Creek Community
ALNF is facilitating a cross-generational literacy tutoring program through which young Indigenous high school students provide reading and writing support for children at their local primary school.
The CAS program is designed to provide the high school students with the necessary support and resources so that they can be effective in their literacy teaching in both English and First Language. The long-term aim is to continue to encourage the high school students to develop skills that will assist them in their transition to tertiary study, or the workplace by providing them with the necessary knowledge and opportunities to practice literacy, leadership and learning.
Senior Teacher at Tennant Creek High, Julie-Anne Spina, indicated that the program provides the high school students with an opportunity to take on new roles and responsibilities and to learn by doing. "The girls are more confident," said Ms Spina. "Each week they are growing, taking on more responsibilities and, more importantly, enjoying the challenge."
PAK Chief Executive Officer Karan Hayward emphasised how the Year 10 students fulfill a significant role in the community. "These girls should be proud of themselves," said Ms Hayward. "I don't think they realise how important it is for the elders in the community to see young people take an active role in preserving and teaching language and culture."
> View/download media release (pdf)
Nov 11 - ALNF Engages UWS Pre-service Teachers to Improve Community Literacy
Over the last four weeks six trainee teachers from the University of Western Sydney (UWS) have had the unique experience of teaching in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, a community half a continent away from their usual haunts.
The Master of Teaching (Secondary) students are part of a trial placement, initiated by the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), UWS and Tennant Creek High School (TCHS).
The presence of the trainee teachers in the Tennant Creek community has left a very positive impact on the local high school, including both teachers and students.
"These trainee teachers bring with them enthusiasm, energy and instruction in the latest teaching methods," said TCHS Principal Erica Prosser. "By supervising these pre-service teachers, my [TCHS] teachers are exposed to new methods and are encouraged to reflect on their own practices."
Each partner - TCHS, UWS and ALNF - is confident with the results of the trail placement and is committed to working collectively again next year with a new cohort of student teachers. In 2010 the CAS program will also include a few fresh faces at the local primary school, an addition to the current high school program.
> View/download media release (pdf)
Useful Resources
The Community Action Support (CAS) program is underpinned by two core principles: (a) fostering First Language in education and (b) facilitating young participation for community change.
- Adults as allies (introduction to youth participation by B. Checkoway, University of Michigan):
http://www.wkkf.org/pubs/YouthED/Pub564.pdf - Youth Participation - United Nations Guide:
http://www.unfpa.org/adolescents/participation.htm
Contact Information
Eric Brace
CAS - Project Officer
Tel: 02 9362 3388
Email: eric.brace@alnf.org
Community Action Support students, Tennant Creek. Photo: Glenn Campbell
UWS Masters of Teaching students in Tennant Creek
Aunty Bunny, CAS Cultural Officer in Tennant Creek