In My Own Words

“It’s not their fault they haven’t learnt to read and write - it’s ours.”
Professor Jack Beetson – Literacy for Life Foundation

Illiteracy amongst the Aboriginal adult population is a huge issue. In fact it has been estimated that between 45 - 65% of Aboriginal adults were functionally illiterate – A shocking and sobering statistic.

Brewarrina is 10 hours drive from Sydney, and is like so many small, rural north west NSW towns. It has a majority Aboriginal population. There are limited employment opportunities and plenty of ‘social issues’, and programs to fix these issues regularly come and go.

But the Cuban ‘Yes I Can’ method that the Literacy for Life Foundation uses to teach basic literacy insists that the local community take responsibility for running and teaching the program, and it’s this, in tandem with the students learning journey, that we were there to film.

In My Own Words demonstrates the impact a grass roots, community driven literacy campaign can have, particularly in regional and remote areas which lack educational institutions and resources. The life-changing success of the Literacy for Life Foundation in implementing adult literacy campaigns in regional and remote NSW deserves recognition and support so that it can expand the campaigns to other communities.

An increase in support for the Literacy for Life Foundation’s work enabling them to expand their education program to other areas. This will be measured by a direct increase in funding to the Foundation, new sponsors and corporate partners.

Increased participation in the Literacy For Life Foundation’s programs measured by an increase in people participating and signing up.

The creation of a broad coalition of organisations committed to working together to address Indigenous adult illiteracy.

Increased funding and commitment by Federal and State governments to address the issue.

In My Own Words demonstrates the impact a grass roots, community driven literacy campaign can have, particularly in regional and remote areas which lack educational institutions and resources. The life-changing success of the Literacy for Life Foundation in implementing adult literacy campaigns in regional and remote NSW deserves recognition and support so that it can expand the campaigns to other communities.

We support the actions of the Literacy for Life Foundation and encourage audiences to research and support their literacy programs.

1. Donate to Literacy for Life Foundation

2. Host a screening

3. Increase awareness through social media

4. Lobby politicians for dedicated funding for Indigenous adult literacy programs

The implementation of further grass roots, community driven Indigenous adult literacy campaigns in regional and remote Australia.