ILF wins prestigious International Education Award

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) has won the prestigious International Education Initiatives Award, announced at the inaugural London Book Fair (LBF) on Tuesday 8 April 2014.

The LBF International Book Industry Excellence Awards were held in association with the UK Publishers Association and featured 16 Award categories.

Karen Williams, Executive Director of the ILF, said that the Foundation was enormously privileged to receive the award and congratulated the two other nominees, Faith Project Turkey and Knowledge Without Borders (UAE).

“We’d like to acknowledge the enormous support of the Australian Book Industry and many individuals, including our hard working ambassadors and our Board who have helped make our work possible.“ 

The Australian Book Industry not only fundraises and provides support with books and literacy resources, but also lends its expertise to help the ILF in its work with some of the most remote Indigenous communities in the world on literacy-based projects.

Wilbur Klein, Principal at Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School in Western Australia who supported the nomination said:

“The ILF is a vibrant group of people committed to making a difference to low Indigenous literacy levels across our nation and making Indigenous children's futures brighter. The ILF provides the practical support we appreciate. We also appreciate their encouragement and the motivation they share in remote schools as we strive to improve Indigenous children's literacy ability.

“Tjuntjuntjara is 660 km away from the nearest town on dirt roads and tracks. We are the remotest community in our nation. The ILF makes the effort to reach out to support our school community and children. They are unique. They are committed. They are making a difference. They do deserve recognition for the work they do and the commitment they have to making a positive difference for Australia's remote Indigenous children.“

Since ILF became a Foundation in 2011 it has raised over $2 million, delivered over 65,000 books to children in remote Indigenous communities, published and funded partnerships in 37 community literacy projects, and launched an early literacy project, Book Buzz, in a number of communities.

“We will continue to strive for excellence in providing access to books and literacy resources, in engaging with and publishing community literacy projects, and working with Book Buzz which puts books into the hands of babies, toddlers and mothers," Ms Williams said.

For further information please contact Karen Williams, ED on (02) 9698 2884 or 0404 075 924.

• Posted 09 April, 2014