The Territory Labor Government is putting children at the heart of itsdecision-making with the expansion of the key early childhood program Familiesas First Teachers (FaFT).
Minister for Education SelenaUibo today officially opened the 44th FaFT at Malak Primary School, one ofseven new sites to open in 2019.
The Territory Labor Governmentplans to expand the program to 53 sites by the end of next year double thenumber there were in the NT in 2016.
FaFT focuses on early learningliteracy and numeracy by supporting families to become their childrens firstteachers. More than 2000 Territory families are currently enrolled.
Of the 44 programs currentlyoperating, 37 are in remote or very remote communities. More than half of allFaFT employees are Aboriginal.
The seven new 2019 sites,announced in April, include Malak, Harts Range, Belyuen, Epenarra, Braitling,Peppimenarti and Walungurru.
Seven further sites to open in2020 will be announced before the end of 2019.
Quotesattributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.
When you invest in children, you invest in the future of the NorthernTerritory. We know a childs early years, from birth to age five, arecritical to preparing them for success at school and into adulthood.
Thats why we are deliveringon the promised expansion of our FaFT program, which helps all our Territorychildren to be ready for day one of school, no matter where they live.
Being ready for day one ofschool is essential. It shapes a childs ability to thrive educationally, to stayhealthy and to be socially connected.
FaFT is important becauseparents and families are a childs first and most important teachers.
The expansion of FaFT is partof the extra $35.6 million our Government has invested in early childhood,following the release of our 10 year StartingEarly for A Better Future Early Childhood Development Plan.
Unlike the CLP, who slashed$135 million from the education budget and sacked hundreds of teachers andsupport staff, the Territory Labor Government will always invest in education.
Quotesattributable to Member for Karama, Ngaree Ah Kit.
This fantastic program willbuild on the capacity of families and the Malak Primary School community tobuild relationships and connections with babies and children before they startpreschool.
FaFT is just one way ourgovernment is giving children the best possible start in life, while at thesame time giving families the support they need to encourage their childrenslearning and development.
