Literacy for Life Foundation

The Literacy for Life Foundation was formed in 2013 by three prominent Aboriginal leaders namely Pat Anderson, Donna Ah Chee and Jack Beetson, in partnership with leading international construction company Brookfield Multiplex, to drive the National Aboriginal Adult Literacy Campaign across Australia.^[1]

Overview of the Issue

Regardless of whether they live in urban, rural or remote areas, up to 65% of Aboriginal people are functionally illiterate in English. Conservative estimates suggest that 40% of Aboriginal adults^[2] are currently at or below Level One on the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).^[3] The minimum level necessary to succeed in most training, study and employment opportunities is Level Two or Three.

Campaign Model

The Campaign Model used by the Literacy for Life Foundation originated in Cuba as the 'Yes, I Can (Yo, sí puedo)' model and is now being applied in Australia to meet the needs of indigenous communities following a 3-year pilot stage managed by the University of New England in partnership with IPLAC and the Lowitja Foundation funded by the Australian and NSW governments. The 'Yes I Can Yo, sí puedo' model has been used with more than 6 million people in 28 countries to learn to read and write. In Timor-Leste, more than 200,000 people graduated within in five years.^[4]

The Literacy for Life Campaign focus is on helping to build a community culture that values and supports literacy and learning. The Foundation works with local Aboriginal organisations, government agencies, councils, church groups and elders to contribute and build towards the common goal of enhancing literacy levels for all adults in the community. Local community members are trained as Campaign coordinators and facilitators supported by professional adult educators. From the outset, the onus is on the community to take ownership and delivery of the Campaign, focusing on long term social change.

Campaigns

The University of New England has piloted the campaign model in Bourke, Enngonia and Wilcannia in remote New South Wales, Australia with multiple intakes of students beginning 2012 until June 2014. Almost 80 people have graduated across these three communities.^[5] The Literacy for Life Foundation plans to launch the Campaign in Brewarrina in the second half of 2014.^[6]

Recognition

NSW State Parliament

The success of the national literacy Campaign pilot was formally recognised by the Parliament of NSW on 14 May 2014 when a motion moved by Catherine Cusack MLC was passed unanimously.^[7]

Governance

The Literacy for Life Foundation is governed by five Board Members:

• Donna Ah Chee - Chairperson and Director (CEO Central Australian Congress (Chairperson))^[8]
• Professor Jack Beetson - Executive Director and National Campaign Coordinator
• Patricia Anderson - Director (Chairperson - The Lowitja Institute)^[9]
• John Flecker - Director (CEO - Brookfield Multiplex Australasia)^[10]
• Don Aroney - Secretary & Director (Executive Director Operations - Brookfield Multiplex Australasia)^[11]

Notable Partnerships

In 2014, the Literacy for Life Foundation partnered with the Penrith Panthers rugby league team. The Literacy for Life Foundation logo appeared in the lower back position on the 2014 jersey^[12] and Penrith Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould attended the March 2014 graduation ceremony in Bourke.

References

External links

• Literacy for Life Foundation
• Cuban initiative to tackle Indigenous illiteracy - RN Breakfast - ABC Radio
• From Cuba with love - Good Weekend - Sydney Morning Herald