Closing the Gap: are-able Supports Ballarat’s Aboriginal Literacy Foundation’s Post-Covid Literacy Catch Up Program in Western Victoria

Ballarat’s Aboriginal Literacy Foundation’s Post-Covid Literacy Catch Up Program in Western Victoria has been a resounding success.  Thanks to the generous support of the are-able Foundation Community Grant in 2022. This program has been designed to help Aboriginal students in Ballarat catch up on missed learning opportunities due to Covid-19 lockdowns, through after-school tutoring.

The program has been instrumental in improving the literacy skills and confidence of Aboriginal students, by providing them with individualised tutoring programs designed to fill gaps in their learning.

“We are excited when we receive positive feedback from the parents. In fourth term 2022, one parent told us her son got an award at school. She knows this is due to the tutoring he had received from us,” said Anthony Cree, CEO of the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation.

The are-able Foundation Community Grant has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the program during the challenging post-Covid period.

“Our success is measured through our testing process but also by the positive feedback from parents and teachers,” added Anthony Cree.

The program has had a significant impact on the local community, with students showing progress in their literacy skills and receiving recognition at school. With continued support from foundations and regular supporters, the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation hopes to continue the program in 2023 and beyond, even establishing another similar program in regional Victoria.

“Through our Community Grants, are-able Foundation can provide funding to organisations that are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. We believe that everyone deserves access to education, employment, and social inclusion, regardless of their circumstances. By supporting programs like the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation in Ballarat, we can help close the gap and create a more equitable society for all” said Andrea Hogan, Director of Communications and Engagement.

For more information about the are-able Foundation, please visit www.areable.org.au/foundation.

Contact: are-able Foundation Phone: +61 3 5561 8500 Email: foundation@areable.org.au Website: www.areable.org.au/foundation