Closing the Gap on Indigenous Literacy
Caring for Country means ensuring that First Nations communities have access to language, education and health on our own terms.
National Close the Gap day takes place today, 20 March — it’s a day focused on improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and eliminating systemic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. To reach this goal, raising literacy levels — in Aboriginal languages and in English — and ensuring First Nations children have access to education, is essential.
Closing the gap starts with First Nations youth. In working towards providing First Nations children with the same opportunities afforded other Australians, we can aim for brighter futures for First Nations kids and the next generations.
A 2024 AIHW report found that "English literacy and numeracy, as well as literacy in Aboriginal languages, have strong impacts on wellbeing." At the same time, higher levels of education have been linked with several life outcomes such as improved health, income, and employment. Education, then, is fundamental in closing the gap across a range of socio-economic areas.
Closing the gap on literacy in First Nations youth
Developed as part of Poetry in First Languages, Baraya Barray (Sing Country) is a multi-artform program connecting young First Nations people with Elders, Language Custodians, scientists, poets and musicians, through On Country immersive experiences. Using poetry as a springboard, Baraya Barray brings attention to the origin of First Nations languages and the important lessons we can learn from our natural environment.
Through Baraya Barray workshops, students embrace the the power of cultural knowledge in healing and resilience. Through poetry, they speak to the deep connections between land, language, and identity—reminding us that learning and leading go hand in hand.
We leave our footprints
yesterday, today, tomorrow.
~ from 'the duruuwa' by Yallara & Eureka, Jervis Bay Public School
Language is more than words — it is a way of seeing, a way of being. These students are not just learning their languages, they are carrying forward a legacy, strengthening culture, and closing the gap on their own terms.
"So many of us don’t have language and I tell the kids you can be the person in your family to bring it back."
~ Jacob Morris (Language Custodian)
Poet Kirli Saunders recognises the importance of programs such as Baraya Barray. "There is a real thirst and hunger to be taught and to learn in this way," she writes.
"Across the day you see a kind of pride that starts to bubble in them, they stand a bit taller and they speak a bit louder and more confidently. Our kids are feeling connected, not only to the land and to nature but to each other. They feel strong and proud of who they are."
Baraya Barray reminds us that closing the gap is not just about access—it is about returning to Country, to language, and to stories that sustain us.
New Poem Forest Prize Categories 2025
What does it look like to care for Country from a First Nations perspective? As the prize enters its fifth year, this is a question Poem Forest 2025 has been asking. As Poem Forest continues to grow, we aim to foster a space where First Nations knowledges and engagement can flourish.
This year, Poem Forest will be expanding its prize categories to increase representation and engagement from First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students.
We are thrilled to announce the two new prize categories for Poem Forest 2025:
- FN (Primary and Secondary)
- CaLD specific (Primary and Secondary)
Poem Forest 2025 will also offer First Nations specific resources that speak directly to our deadly young poets. Our oldest continuous culture and storytellers have much wisdom to share. It's through their unique voices, style and perspectives, we are reminded that poetry is for everyone, and poetry and literacy come in many forms.
