A popular and award-winning literacy program has been extended to include the Yawuru language with the launch today of Nyamangarru Jalygurr/Baby Ways.
The book, which is provided to all new parents in Western Australia through the Better Beginnings program, has been translated into the Yawuru language for the first time, giving the local community an accessible and culturally appropriate way to introduce reading to their children.
Better Beginnings is the State Library of Western Australia’s award-winning family literacy program that improves the literacy outcomes of Western Australian children though encouraging parents to read to their children. The program is supported by Rio Tinto and delivered in partnership with local public libraries, community health workers, the Department of Education, the Association of Independent Schools and Catholic Education Western Australia.
Nyamangarru Jalygurr/Baby Ways is designed as a book for families to share Yawuru language and enhance literacy outcomes. Literacy has lifelong impacts in terms of employment, education attainment and health outcomes.
Better literacy outcomes for all Western Australian children are further supported by election commitments of $1 million for the further development of Better Beginnings in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions and $1 million in grants for local public libraries and community groups to deliver early literacy development activities and events.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Literacy is a bedrock for future success, which is why Better Beginnings is such an important program.
“Nyamangarru Jalygurr/Baby Ways is a step forward in making reading more accessible to Yawuru families with babies as well as celebrating culture and language.
“I encourage all families and carers to read, talk, sing, write and play with their child, every day.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“I am absolutely delighted to hear that the Better Beginnings publication Baby Ways has been translated into the local Yawuru language.
“It will be wonderful for local families to be able to share this resource with their children and community.”
