Ian Thorpes Fountain for Youth

Programs

INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS: Supporting Literacy & Health Education

Supporting Literacy & Health Education – A Partnership between Aboriginal Australians and Ian Thorpe’s fountain for youth

All Australian children have the right to good health and a first rate education. We are committed to achieving this equality.

In 2003 Fountain for youth began funding maternal and child health education carried out by the award winning Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, in the remote communities east of Katherine, NT. In 2012 the Literacy Empowerment Project is reaching as many as 2,600 children and their families in 21 remote communities.

Our research confirmed that the essential foundation for improved health and life expectancy was rapid progress in life empowering education.

The Literacy Empowerment Project combines support for parents and infants, preschool education, development of literacy, cultural enrichment and building stepping stones towards employment and family wellbeing.

Public & corporate support is essential but Fountain for youth has also shown that Territory, State and Federal Governments can work cooperatively to support community initiative.

In September 2005 the Federal Government (Coalition) under the leadership of Prime Minister John Howard, announced a grant of $1 million dollars (2005-2007) to support Fountain for youth’s Literacy Empowerment Project.

In August 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP) approved a new grant of $1 million dollars (2008 – 2010), and a further grant of $1.3 million (2011-2012) was approved under the Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s Government (ALP), allowing Fountain for youth to continue working with our partners in carrying on and expanding this important project.

Principals, teachers, students and their families contribute to the success and growth of the Literacy Empowerment Project.

The Literacy Empowerment Project

Literacy Backpacks
Early Learning
Walking with Spirits Festival
Community Storytelling
Ghunmarn Cultural Centre Wugularr

Project Progress Report

Final Report 2005 – 2010
Progress Report June 2009
Final Report 2005 – 2007
Progress Report December 2006

Community Education & Health Projects

AIME – Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience
From Little Things Big Things Grow – Book Project
Yarrabah ‘Books for Babies’ Project

Major Supporter

Australian Unity Foundation is proudly supporting Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for youth, assisting in closing the space between the home and the school by supporting the Literacy Backpack Program. Fountain for youth was a successful applicant to a 12 month grant for the provisioning of resources for students in the remote community school.

Thank you to Australian Unity Foundation for your generosity and passion in supporting Indigenous learning and being a part of our journey.