The Indigenous Literacy Project

Can you imagine not being able to read a newspaper, a road sign or directions on a bottle of medication? Sadly, this is a reality faced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in remote communities today.

The Indigenous Literacy Project (ILP) aims to raise literacy levels and improve the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Australians living in remote and isolated regions.

This is done by providing books and literacy resources to Indigenous communities and raising broad community awareness of Indigenous literacy issues.

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Early Literacy Project Launched by Governor at Wilcannia Tuesday 27 July

The Governor of NSW Marie Bashir will launch Book Buzz, an early literacy project, on Tuesday 27 July in Wilcannia.

Book Buzz is an initiative of The Indigenous Literacy Project that recognises the importance of providing children with access to books from birth on. The project is being trialled in three remote communities including Manyallaluk, Wilcannia and Warburton in 2010-2011.

The Indigenous Literacy Project works in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation to help address the critical levels of literacy in remote indigenous communities and last year it provided 15,000 books to 160 remote communities around Australia and launched Book Buzz in Manyallaluk in Northern Territory.

In Wilcannia, its ambassadors including bestselling children's author Andy Griffiths and Faith Basiden, will provide workshops in the local schools (St Thereses and Central Public School) and dropin centre.

The launch will include over 70 children, elders of the community, local schools and VIPS from the Australian Book Industry and The Fred Hollows Foundation.

For more information please call (02) 9555 5605.

I Heart Art - charity auction for ILP

A rare opportunity to view and buy illustrations from some of Australia’s best-loved children’s books including work by Kerry Argent, Bronwyn Bancroft, Freya Blackwood, Terry Denton, Bob Graham, Peter Gouldthorpe, Leigh Hobbs, Judy Horacek, Dee Huxley, Stephen Michael King, Frané Lessac, Alison Lester, Jan Ormerod, Matt Ottley, Donna Rawlins, Tohby Riddle, Craig Smith, Shaun Tan, Julie Vivas and Bruce Whatley.

A chance to hear Shaun Tan talk about creating picture books and to witness his creative process in action as he completes one of his highly-sought-after illustrations.

Presented by The Indigenous Literacy Project and Kinokuniya.

More information   |  Buy Tickets Online at Moshtix

National Literacy and Numeracy Week 2010

National Literacy and Numeracy Week gives schools the opportunity to get involved in a range of literacy and numeracy activities. The Week aims to recognise locally the achievements of students and the work of teachers, parents and members of the community who support young people to develop stronger literacy and numeracy skills.

Schools across Australia will be encouraged to get involved in both local and national literacy and numeracy activities or events within their school community. You may wish to visit the National Literacy and Numeracy Week website at www.deewr.gov.au/nlnw periodically to find out more about what is planned for the Week in 2010.

National Literacy and Numeracy Week is an established and popular event on the national education calendar.