A dual-language Yawuru and English edition of a classic baby book has been launched with the aim of enhancing pride in Aboriginal culture and language.
Around 1,000 books, titled Nyamangarru Jalygurr/Baby Ways are being distributed to people living on Yawuru land in the Kimberley.
The books are the result of a partnership involving Rio Tinto, local public libraries, community health workers, the Department of Education, the Association of Independent Schools and Catholic Education Western Australia.
They have been produced as part of Better Beginnings, the State Library of Western Australia’s award-winning family literacy program.
In a statement, the State Library said Nyamangarru Jalygurr/Baby Ways was designed as a book for families to share Yawuru language while encouraging reading.
“Literacy has lifelong impacts in terms of employment, education attainment and health outcomes,” the Library said.
“Earlier this year a Maawit Mart/Baby Ways book was released and given to Aboriginal families living on Noongar land.”
It said the Baby Ways books were engaging and fun to read, featuring Western Australian babies sitting, bathing, reading and playing.
“It is included in packs presented to all new families in WA at birth as part of a wider program that encourages parents to read to their children,” the Library said.
“More than a million copies of Baby Ways have been distributed State-wide,” it said.
