Empower with literacy

At ALNF, we believe that literacy transcends the ability to read and write. Our innovative Subtext Program merges the arts with oral and written literacy approaches to provide a powerful means for young people from First Nations, refugee, migrant, and other marginalised backgrounds to explore new, creative ways to express their experiences and ideas, tell their own stories, and find their voices.

During a recent iteration of the program, students across a number of schools in Far West NSW were provided with an opportunity to harness the creative power of storytelling, language and music in a week-long intensive workshop.

Working together with ALNF Ambassador and Subtext Mentor, Tasman Keith, alongside community members and educators from the region, participating students learned Barkindji Language and collaborated to write a song about coming together from all over the Far West. 

This collaborative artistic process facilitated conversations, communication skills, language development, reflective practice, and literacy, and helped the students make new connections – impacting positively on their sense of belonging and confidence.

Forming “The Subtext”, a 45-piece youth choir, the students were then given the unique opportunity to perform the song live at the Mundi Mundi Bash with ALNF Ambassador and legendary singer-songwriter Shane Howard. The budding singer-songwriters also delivered a powerful rendition of the iconic Goanna hit "Solid Rock," with a Barkindji Language translation, in one of the most memorable moments of the festival. 

Literacy helps kids dream big. Thank you for standing with us on our mission to make it a reality for every Australian child.

At ALNF, we are deeply committed to systemic educational change that starts in the early years, so that every child is provided with the best opportunity to thrive in school and life.

That’s why we’re incredibly proud to have been announced as a Winner at the World Summit Awards for our ground-breaking Early Language & Literacy Development Index (ELLDI).

Selected out of 466 nominees from over 100 UN member states and winning in the category of “Learning & Education”, the ELLDI is a world-first and highly accessible digital platform that assesses and nurtures the capabilities of children between 2 and 8 years to unlock every child’s learning potential – a testament to what’s possible when technology meets purpose.

Children who start behind, often stay behind, with those from marginalised communities particularly vulnerable. This ground-breaking technology addresses crucial gaps in the early years space, empowers educators and community members with meaningful and evidence-informed insights and strategies, and promotes an education system that supports all children.

The award recognises our innovative use of technology to help solve the critical literacy challenges currently facing Australia’s education system. ELLDI was chosen for being an example of a “digital impact solution and creative innovation [that can] decisively support societal challenges”.

We are honoured to be a recipient of this highly prestigious and competitive award. Receiving this international recognition is a win for placing early years’ education at the forefront of national efforts to address educational inequality in Australia, with the potential for this technology to impact education systems across the globe.

Your support helps make this work possible! Thank you for joining our community of changemakers and standing with us on our mission to make literacy a reality for ALL Australian children.