Support Indigenous Literacy Day

Indigenous Literacy Day is a joint initiative of The Fred Hollows Foundation and the Australian Book Industry that aims to raise $250,000 to improve literacy in remote Indigenous communities in NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

“The Fred Hollows Foundation’s work is focused on treating avoidable blindness, but we also understand how important literacy is within Indigenous communities,” says Gabi Hollows, Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

“It’s very difficult for someone without literacy skills to even read the directions on the back of eye drops, or to follow eye health information. By addressing literacy within Indigenous communities we are working to address a key social determinant of health,” says Hollows.

Indigenous Literacy Day events will take place in capital cities around the country, supported by a host of high profile Australians, including Sally Morgan, Libby Gleeson, Paul Jennings, Ernie Dingo, Josh  Pyke, May O’Brien, Tara June Winch, Dr Anita Heiss, Alexis Wright, Kaz Cooke, Arnold Zable, Aaron Davey, Wesley Enoch, Leonie Norrington, John Marsden, Julianne Shultz, Chris Mead, Bronwyn Bancroft, Kate Grenville, Yvette Holt, Herb Wharton, Fiona Doyle, Shellie Morris, Gabi Hollows, and the authors of Listen to the Ngarrindjeri Women Speaking.

Anyone unable to attend an event can show their support for Indigenous Literacy by making a donation or through purchasing a book at participating book stores.

See www.worldwithoutbooks.org for a list of participating books stores.

Participating book publishers and book stores will donate 5% or more of takings from the Day.

Our goal in 2008 is to raise $250,000 for Indigenous literacy. Please donate now to show your support.