Published on Friday, 2 December 2022 at 1:55:26 PM
The Town of Port Hedland will build on its successful Outdoor Indigenous Literacy Classroom pilot program in 2023 thanks to funding from the State Library of Western Australia.
The Town has been successful in obtaining $28,000 through the second round of the Western Australian Government’s Better Beginnings Family Literacy Community Grants Program to initiate Celebrating Pilbara Culture.
The outdoor literacy classroom was held as part of Indigenous Literacy Day on September 7 and included activities such as Aboriginal storytime, arts and crafts, musical instruments and sensory activities in a safe, comfortable outdoor environment.
Mayor Peter Carter said the latest grant would help the Town expand the program in 2023.
“The outdoor classroom was an amazing success this year, and thanks to this funding we will be looking to have anywhere from eight to 12 sessions in 2023,” Mayor Carter said.
“We will also be looking to have up to four sessions in nearby communities of Strelley, Yandeyarra, Warralong and Jigalong.
“Our new initiative will also provide about 550 books free of charge to homes of Hedland children during the year.
“The Town is committed to supporting the development of literacy in children in our community while also celebrating and embracing the culture of our traditional owners.
”We will look to collaborate with local Aboriginal organisations and individuals to build on this highly successful program.”
The Town has joined with the BHP Pilbara Education Partnerships to roll out the initiative.
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