Indigenous Literacy Project : History

Indigenous Literacy Project history

Indigenous Literacy Project (2007 to 2009)
Australian Readers' Challenge (2006)
Riverbend Readers' Challenge (2004 & 2005)

The Indigenous Literacy Project (2007 - 2009)

In 2007 The Australian Readers' Challenge developed into The Indigenous Literacy Project (ILP) a partnership between the Australian Book Industry and The Fred Hollows Foundation.

The first Indigenous Literacy Day was held in September 5. Over $250,000 was raised.

The second Indigenous Literacy Day was held in September 2008. $300,000 was raised.

The third Indigenous Literacy Day will be held on Wednesday September 2 2009.

Australian Readers Challenge (2006)

The Australian Readers’ Challenge developed from the enormously successful Riverbend Readers’ Challenge. Once again readers paid five dollars to participate.

The collective effort of 350 schools, 64 public libraries and 48 bookshops around Australia raised $80,000 for The Fred Hollows Foundation's Indigenous literacy programs. Over 150,000 books were read for ARC.

Riverbend Readers Challenge (2004 & 2005)

The Riverbend Readers’ Challenge (RRC) was created by Riverbend Books in Queensland in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation and Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth Trust. The RRC ran in Queensland during 2004 and 2005. RRC encouraged people to raise money for Indigenous Literacy by reading 10 books from specially prepared booklists. Readers paid $5 to participate.

In its first year 112 schools and readers of all ages participated. RRC raised almost $25,000 for the purchase of books for the Literacy for Life Program administered through The Fred Hollows Foundation. Over 38,000 books were read by young Australians for the challenge.

In 2005 the RRC continued to grow with school and individual registrations rising strongly across Australia. The 2005 RRC introduced an adult list so that parents, teachers and older teenagers were able to participate.