More than 5000 children’s picture books translated into Aboriginal languages will be distributed to Families as First Teachers (FaFT) sites across the Territory to support early years bilingual literacy.
FaFT, the Territory Labor Government’s key early years education program, has partnered with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) to deliver three popular children’s books throughout the NT, along with a suite of original storybooks, developed in consultation with members of remote NT communities.
ILF has translated three books into Aboriginal languages – The Very Hungry Caterpillar into Yolngu Matha and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and Who’s Hiding? into Kriol – as part of its Book Buzz program.
Book Buzz is an early literacy program designed to engage young children and their families in reading through a daily dedicated story time session.
As stated by Chief Minister and Minister for Children, Michael Gunner.
“FaFT is just one way this government is giving children the best possible start in life, while also supporting and encouraging families during their child’s learning and development.
“Over 5000 books in Aboriginal languages have been delivered through Book Buzz, supporting parents and kids in their early years.”
As stated by Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.
“The Territory Labor Government’s Families as First Teachers (FaFT) program recognises that families are a child’s first and most important teachers and that they are key to building strong foundations for their children’s learning, so they arrive at day one of school ready and able to learn.
“In the International Year of Indigenous Languages, our government is pleased to partner with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to deliver more than 5000 books in Aboriginal languages to our FaFT sites.
“English is not the first language for about 40 per cent of our NT students, so this new partnership to deliver the FaFT Book Buzz program enables families to support their child’s early years literacy in their own language.
“The Book Buzz program builds the capacity of families and community members to support the healthy development of young children in a culturally appropriate way. They are also supported by the staff of our 43 FaFTs, more than half of whom are Aboriginal.”
As stated by Indigenous Literacy Foundation Executive Director, Karen Williams.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with Families as First Teachers to support the development of early literacy skills.
“The Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s Book Buzz program aims to support families with reading and sharing books to their babies and toddlers in their first language.”
