National publishing company Penguin Random House (PRH) have been proudly and actively supporting ILF since 2007. Late in 2021, the company generously donated $100,000 to the ILF to help the Foundation grow its 2022 literacy programs in remote Communities across Australia. This brings the total donation to an incredible $776,833.67 over the 15 year relationship!
PRH CEO, Julie Burland is a huge supporter of the work of the ILF and a passionate advocate of reading and the pleasure and opportunities it provides.
“Being able to read is a vital skill in life, and there is nothing better than being able to share the joy of reading and fostering a love of books in young people to help achieve that,” says Ms Burland. “We are incredibly proud to help foster culture, stories, language and literacy while fundraising to get books into the hands of young people in remote communities.”
For three years, PRH has worked with senior female students from Tiwi College to produce books as part of a special program called the Create Initiative. In 2017, the first book in a series of three, Japarrika was created. This is a powerful story about a young woman Kay-Bell who loves to play football. The story sends an important message about finding the courage to believe in yourself and shares delightful insights into Tiwi culture and language.
“With the help of author David Lawrence and NITV presenter Shelley Ware, the Tiwi College girls managed to write, illustrate, edit and publish a book in less than a week. Sometimes it takes us three years, so it puts us to shame,” laughed Ms Burland.
“The following year when the Tiwi College girls worked with us again, they saw their work come to life on a bookshop shelf next to other titles from all over the world. It will remain a very special moment with the ILF and the Create Program,” shared Ms Burland.
For PRH it is important to engage their staff and the broader community in their social impact work. A dedicated Community and Social Responsibility committee organises PRH fundraising activities, including an annual public books sale which gets people involved from across the PRH team.
They also support ILF’s biggest annual day of advocacy, Indigenous Literacy Day by sharing the work of the Foundation across their social media platforms and website, and pre-COVID, volunteering staff and books to support the day.
“We take any opportunity to celebrate reading while also empowering others to get involved”, said Ms Burland.
On behalf of the ILF team, CEO, Ben Bowen sends a very warm and heartfelt thank you to Penguin Random House and all it’s wonderful employees.
“Your continued support helps us to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote Communities to provide the tools and resources they request to shape the direction of their children’s literacy future.” says Mr Bowen.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation works as an initiative of the Australian Book Industry with the support of:
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Indigenous Literacy Foundation is registered with the ACNC and is a Public Benevolent Institution with DGR1 and TCC status.
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