Today we mark Indigenous Literacy Day when booksellers and publishers around Australia are banding together to raise funds to address illiteracy levels in remote indigenous communities. It is hoped that our combined efforts will raise $100000 which will be used by the Fred Hollows Foundation to purchase books and other literacy resources for remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and New South Wales.
We launched Indigenous Literacy Day in the shop this morning with her excellency the Governor of Qld Ms Quentin Bryce, Susie O'Neill, an ambassador for the Fred Hollows Foundation and representatives from local schools. Susie O'Neill was interviewed about her role by one of our student guests and each of the children presented the governor with suggested reading by sharing with her some of their favorite books.
We listened attentively to the story of the Crow and the Waterhole by Ambelin Kwaymullina read by another of our student guests before enjoying morning tea. We will be sending some of the students' favourite books to the Northern Territory so that children in the Jawoyn communities can share their enjoyment. You may be interested in some of the titles the children spoke about. The Girlz Rock! series rated a mention as did perennial favourite The Magic Faraway Tree. Anna, who nominated Skellig had this to say "as the story unfolds you begin to understand the characters lives. It is an emotional journey filled with suspense, joy and fear. Skellig is a heart warming tale that anyone can relate to." Wow...quite a recommendation. Other recommendations were The Book of Lies, the children's edition of Mao's Last Dancer, Dragonkeeper, Captain Underpants and the classic, Alice in Wonderland.
Indigenous Literacy Day will become an annual event.
Jane
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