Literacy for Life receives federal funding to expand its impact

Australia: Literacy for Life Foundation (LFLF) has received $19 million in federal funding under the Australian Government’s new Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) First Nations Program.

The funding enables Literacy for Life to run community-led adult literacy campaigns in four communities across Far North QLD and two communities in NSW, meaning up to 500 more First Nations adults can improve their English language and literacy skills.

LFLF is an Aboriginal-run charity that trains local people to deliver literacy classes in their communities, with an emphasis on building confidence and capability alongside literacy and employability outcomes.

Multiplex initiated and was a founding member of LFLF in 2012 and we continue to support via funding, management assistance, and representation on the Board.

It’s a key way we are expanding the pipeline of Indigenous participation in our industry and a powerful example of our long‑term commitment to meaningful, collaborative reconciliation with First Nations peoples.

LFLF is delivering life-changing outcomes including:

• 500+ graduates

• 20+ communities reached

• Greater uptake of health services

• Improved school attendance and results for children and grandchildren of participants

• Reduced reported interactions between Aboriginal adults and police

• Outcomes 30 times stronger than existing programs

Recognising this, The Don’t Take It As Read parliamentary inquiry included a specific recommendation to scale up the work of the Literacy for Life Foundation:

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with Literacy for Life to deliver this readiness training project for First Nations peoples,” says Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP.

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) First Nations Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.