Donations lend hand
A CHILD’S world opens up when they learn to read but Australia’s Indigenous kids are struggling to close the literacy gap with their non-indigenous peers.
According to the Close the Gap Report 2020, almost one in four Indigenous children in Years 5, 7 and 9, and one in five Indigenous children in Year 3 are below the national standard in reading.
Held nationally since 2014, Officeworks’ annual Wall of Hands appeal has raised more than $2.7m toward the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) – a charity dedicated to helping Australia’s most marginalised communities gain literacy skills.
Specifically targeting First Nations, refugees and other vulnerable Australians, the ALNF’S programs provide training, support and resources to a diverse range of individuals and communities.
Officeworks Townsville store business manager Denise Brown said it was critical that children received the educational support they needed to keep their lives on track.
“I think reading, literacy and numeracy is very important for all kids so that they can get on with life,” Ms Brown said. “Indigenous employment relies on kids being able to read and write, so I think it’s very important that we encourage this program to help the Indigenous generation.”
She said the community always dug deep during September for the Wall of Hands appeal, recognising it was critical for everyone to develop a passion for reading.
Customers could buy a ‘hand’ instore for $2, $5, $10, or $20, and write their name on it, which was then displayed in the store.
They also had the option of rounding up their purchases, donating loose coins or on the Officeworks website, or purchasing Studymate products where 20c was donated from each purchase.
Ms Brown said the money raised by Officeworks was distributed to support students in the Townsville area.
ALNF co-founder and executive director Kim Kelly said the literacy gap was holding children back from realising their true potential.
“With the support of partners like Officeworks we’re able to provide vulnerable children with the support and materials they need to learn lifechanging skills,” she said.
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