The Centre For Indigenous Literacy

A shared initiative between Papulu Apparr-kari Aboriginal Language Centre (PAK), NT, and ALNF that focuses specifically on literacy and associated initiatives within the Language Centre.

The Centre for Indigenous Literacy (CIL) provides a hub for the following ALNF initiatives: Community Action Support (CAS), support for First Language Online, Share-A-Book, Healthy Bodies = Healthy Minds, SASI, production of reading resources in First Language, production of Driving Our Future DVDs, delivery of Driving Our Future courses, First Language Workshops and Outreach Literacy.

Driving Our Future

Driving Our Future is a bilingual, visual and auditory depiction of the road rules in the learners permit handbook put to life in an interactive DVD. It is designed for those whose poor literacy levels preclude them from reading and understanding the standard printed handbook. The multi-sensory DVD provides students with simulation driving tests, assorted simulations of varied driving conditions, sample questions and scenarios related to expected learner driver knowledge and learner knowledge tests that will help prepare them to become safe and responsible drivers.

Visual Literacy Project

In 2007 ALNF compiled the first bi-lingual 'Warramiri Children's Dictionary' for the Warramiri school children.

2008 saw Warramiri High School students given digital cameras and the task of visually depicting the words in their own dictionary. The results have been extraordinary.

The Warramiri Children's Dictionary is currently in publication through the PAK Media Unit.

Young Mothers & Children's Literacy Program

The Young Mothers & Children's Literacy Program helps young Indigenous mothers teach their children pre-literacy skills to get them ready for school. In turn, the program assists the young mothers acquire the basic literacy skills, in both English and First Language, they may have previously missed out on.

Healthy Bodies = Healthy Minds

ALNF's Healthy Bodies = Healthy Minds initiative addresses the health issues prominent in Indigenous communities that are a direct result of poor literacy.

Working in conjunction with many of the other ALNF programs, Healthy Bodies = Healthy Minds is integrated wherever possible into relevant and appropriate literacy workshops and activities.

Past workshops have included translating healthy cooking recipes into First Language, establishing the first-ever Gawa Football Club - including a visual literacy rules and regulations component - and young mothers' mentoring workshops.

First Language Literacy

For more information on First Language Literacy please click here

Community Action Support

For more information on the CAS Program please click here

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Case Study

Warumungu

When ALNF first visited Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, it was to deliver a course in English literacy skill development. During the course, the headmistress of the high school introduced ALNF Founder Mary-Ruth Mendel to staff at the Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Language Centre. ALNF discussed the possibility of working collaboratively on First Language literacy in the future. As a result of these discussions ALNF began working with Mrs Judy Nakkamarra Nixon, community Elder and Warumungu speaker, who was keen to support First Language literacy development in the community.

> View/download complete case study (pdf)

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Recent News

Nov 17 - The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation launches Indigenous First Language TV commercial

In what is believed to be a first for Australian commercial television, The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) has created a television commercial featuring an Indigenous First Language voiceover with English sub-titles.

The voice for the commercial belongs to Mrs Judy Nakkamarra Nixon, a Tennant Creek community Elder. Mrs Nixon speaks in the Central Desert Language of the Warumungu people - the first community that ALNF partnered with in their work to empower Indigenous youth through literacy.

The commercial was developed as a pro-bono collaboration between Sydney advertising agency, Eleven Communications and 2 Feet Films, with the support of a team of industry professionals working in Sydney and Tennant Creek.

> View/download media release (pdf)

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)

Contact Information

ALNF
Tel: 02 9362 3388
Email: foundation@alnf.org
208 New South Head Rd
Edgecliff NSW 2027

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