Did you know that in most remote Aboriginal communities fewer than 20 per cent of young children can read competently, and many will never have seen a book?
At the ILP Day launch held in Sydney last week, this year’s patron Therese Rein spoke to the assembled book industry representatives and media describing literacy as a pathway to improving the lives of indigenous Australians.
Ms Rein said that while many Australians took access to books for granted, it was often a challenge for indigenous Australians to achieve even basic literacy.
"Sharing stories is such an important part of creating a shared culture," she said.
"It is easy to take access to the written word for granted. Not everyone has access to a library."
Ms Rein said many adults in remote communities were not readers and were not reading to their children. There was no access to interesting, varied or age-appropriate books.
The Indigenous Literacy Project was a critical part of that endeavour, she said.
"This project is important news, it enables us to tell good news stories and celebrate progress.
"This project matters. It is making a difference."

Tags: indigenous literacy project