Officeworks and the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) have launched the annual Wall of Hands appeal encouraging Australians to raise a hand to help close the Indigenous literacy gap.
Every September, Officeworks supports ALNF by helping to raise vital funds to support their Early Language and Literacy, Share-A-Book and Literacy Pack programs. Together with its customers, Officeworks has helped support over 15,000 students through the contribution of $2.7 million since 2014.
According to the Close the Gap Report 2020, almost one in four Indigenous children in Years 5, 7 and 9, and one in five Indigenous children in Year 3 are below the national standard in reading.
ALNF’s programs empower communities to gain vital language, literacy and communication skills to help bridge the gap amongst Indigenous children. Through their community-led and innovative programs, ALNF provides training, support and resources to individuals, families and schools across the nation.
Officeworks managing director, Sarah Hunter said, “Officeworks has been a proud partner of the ALNF since 2014 and we’re thrilled to launch the Wall of Hands appeal this September supporting children across Australia. Our team is passionate about helping close the literacy gap and supporting the community around us.”
ALNF co-founder and executive director, Kim Kelly said, “We know that the literacy gap is holding children back from realising their true potential, with the support of partners like Officeworks we’re able to provide vulnerable children with the support and materials they need to learn life changing skills.”
Customers can get involved by buying a ‘hand’ in-store at their local Officeworks or donate via the Officeworks website. Officeworks will also donate 20 cents from every Studymate product sold during September to the Wall of Hands Appeal.
Photo credit: The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation.