The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has said it offers many innovative programs to support literacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and an extensive program to encourage the use of Indigenous language at CIT.
The CIT said research to develop an Indigenous student literacy program found a digital divide between members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the broader population.
It said on Indigenous Literacy Day last week (1 September) that digital skills continued to grow in importance and people without digital literacy faced increased barriers to employment.
The Institute said CIT Yurauna, in partnership with Connexions, delivered a free Indigenous Pre-Employment Program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples focused on digital literacy skills through accredited and non-accredited units delivered at CIT, professional work placements and traineeship employment opportunities on completion of the program.
CIT said students had access to mentors and wrap-around support throughout the program, all in culturally safe facilities and environments.
It said another program which also supported Indigenous literacy was the Foundation Skills for Your Future program.
“The units in Foundations Skills have been developed to encourage participants to get acquainted with their learning styles, learning strategies, plans and goals, employability skills as well as their career planning,” CIT said.
It said Indigenous student, Frank Williams (pictured) was thriving in the Program, which had opened up a positive future.
CIT said Frank had been working as an e-waste technician for just over 12 months at The Worldview Foundation, a social enterprise which assisted young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to prepare for and plan meaningful, long-term careers.