Changing lives through literature

July 23, 2024

Many of us take it for granted that our kids will grow up learning to read and write, yet for many children throughout Australia, this is not the case. Lack of education and early literacy can affect children throughout their lives and lead to psychological damage, poor health, fewer job opportunities and lower incomes.

When our team at Our Lady of the Rosary Waitara Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) learnt that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in remote communities have limited access to reading material, libraries and bookstores, they took action. 

In March, staff and students at Waitara OSHC raised $702 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, which allowed them to contribute 70 books to children in remote Australia. “During COVID our team became more aware of the need for books in Aboriginal communities … ” 

says Practice Manager, Amy. “After doing some research, we discovered the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the wonderful work that they are doing.”

Teaching children about kindness and giving to those less fortunate is taken very seriously across CatholicCare’s Children’s Services. “It is something that we continuously work on and encourage,” says Amy.

Literacy and reading is a big part of the Waitara OSHC service and the children will often be found sitting in the reading area.

“The children were so happy that they could help other children enjoy books and to encourage the love for reading that they have.”

The fundraiser coincided with Harmony Week, and funds were raised through a book stall that was set up for students at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School in Waitara. Students at Waitara OSHC were involved in the entire process of planning, marketing and selling books, which was itself a fantastic learning experience.

In the weeks leading up to the fundraiser, the staff and students explored Indigenous art and they learnt about the signs used in art to represent animal tracks, home, rivers and more. The children designed and created large canvas posters that will adorn the walls of the centre for years to come. 

This initiative was an excellent way of connecting with the primary school and developing that relationship, which is an ongoing goal and priority for the team at Waitara OSHC. 

Moving forward, they are excited to share more Dreaming stories with the children and to keep fostering a love for reading.