First Nations literacy

The gap between the literacy levels of First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians remains unacceptably wide. While there have been some improvements in literacy achievements among First Nations children, adult literacy levels are still alarmingly low in many communities. Addressing this gap is crucial for improving education, employment opportunities and overall wellbeing.

Closing the gap

Since starting in 2008, the Closing the Gap strategy has been a federal government priority that aims to reduce the disadvantages faced by First Nations people, with a focus on health, education and employment. Despite some progress, many targets remain unmet.

The 2023 Closing the Gap annual report showed that while there have been some improvements, such as increased enrolment in early childhood education, there is not enough progress on the overall literacy and numeracy. The annual report highlights the deep connection between social factors, such as poverty, housing insecurity, disability, child removal, incarceration and community violence, and their impact on education outcomes. For example, poor health can affect a person’s ability to learn and participate in work.

Literacy and numeracy: still off track

While a few Closing the Gap targets are on track, the goal to halve the gap in literacy and numeracy for First Nations students remains unmet. According to data from the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2022, First Nations students continue to fall behind their non-Indigenous peers.

Statistics show:

• On average, First Nations 15-year-olds are approximately 2.5 years behind non-Indigenous 15-year-olds in literacy and numeracy.
• Boys are more likely to lag behind girls in these areas.
• The gap is particularly stark in very remote areas, where First Nations students face additional challenges, including limited access to quality educational resources, internet connectivity and experienced teachers.

For more information, you can access the full Closing the Gap annual report 2023 on the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) website.

Adult literacy

Low adult literacy continues to be a significant barrier in many First Nations communities. The Literacy for Life Foundation, which was set up to tackle this issue, reports that between 40% and 70% of Aboriginal adults are functionally illiterate in English. This has profound intergenerational impacts, as children of adults with low literacy are less likely to perform well at school.

Research also shows strong links between low literacy levels and broader social issues, such as unemployment, poor health outcomes, higher incarceration rates and substance abuse. Addressing adult literacy can therefore create a ripple effect, improving not just individual outcomes but also strengthening entire communities.

Community-driven solutions

The Literacy for Life Foundation’s Aboriginal adult literacy campaign is a community-led initiative aimed at creating long-term change. Local community members are trained as teachers, empowering the community to become self-sufficient. The program has shown promising results, with graduates reporting increased confidence, improved job prospects and greater engagement in their children’s education.

Professor Jack Beetson, executive director of the Literacy for Life Foundation, highlighted the scale of the challenge during an appearance on SBS’s Insight program on low literacy in Australia. He stated, ‘The government is talking about a gap. Aboriginal people are talking about a crater that Superman can’t jump over… You will close nothing unless you actually address the issue of literacy.’

Organisations supporting literacy

Several organisations are actively working to improve literacy levels among First Nations people. Their efforts are critical in bridging the gap and fostering positive, lasting change.

These organisations include:

• Literacy for Life Foundation – focuses on adult literacy through community-driven programs
• Indigenous Literacy Foundation – provides culturally relevant books and resources to remote communities
• Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation – delivers literacy programs tailored to First Nations children and adults
• Aboriginal Literacy Foundation – supports literacy education through tutoring, mentoring and providing resources.

Moving forward

Addressing the literacy gap requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both the immediate and root causes. Investment in early childhood education, improved access to quality schooling, culturally relevant curriculum and community-led adult literacy programs are essential parts of the solution.