A partnership between Rio Tinto and the State Library of Western Australia has resulted in free Aboriginal reading packs being given to families in the Kimberley.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman said the Little Fulla Yarns packs included books by Aboriginal authors, clapsticks, stickers, finger puppets and information sheets, with the aim being for parents to share books with their children.
Mr Templeman said the initiative built on the successful Better Beginnings program delivered by the State Library to all families with newborn babies and children in kindergartens in the State.
He said it would also complement the Government’s commitment to improve Aboriginal literacy by expanding the reach of Better Beginnings in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
The Minister said the packs had been developed by early literacy specialists at the State Library of Western Australia in consultation with Aboriginal families and were being distributed through public libraries, the WA Country Health Service and the Child and Adolescent Health Service.
Mr Templeman said in addition to the new reading pack, the State Library was working with the Yawuru Language Centre to translate the Better Beginnings picture book, Baby Ways, into Yawuru so that a bilingual version could be provided to families.
“Taking time to read, yarn, sing, draw and play with their little fullas will support Aboriginal families to build their children’s literacy skills,” he said.
“The Better Beginnings family literacy program continues to have a positive impact on families and we are excited to see that support enhanced in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
“Public libraries are great places for families as they have many resources that are free to use and activities that support lifelong learning and recreation,” Mr Templeman said.
