October 2002

Conference centres on literacy and numeracy

By Sandie French
Conference Convenor

A three-day Vocational and Educational Guidance for Aboriginals Scheme (VEGAS) conference targeted literacy and numeracy skills of Aboriginal children in preschools.

About 70 Koorie Early Childhood Field Officers, Koorie preschool assistants, staff from preschool services that receive funding for Aboriginal children and children’s services advisers and their managers attended.

The conference was a joint initiative of the Department of Human Services and the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) with funding being provided by DEST.

The conference was an important step in helping the preschool indigenous early childhood sector understand and implement the National Literacy and Numeracy Profile for preschool children.

DEST Indigenous Education Branch Manager Janet Leck addressed the conference and highlighted the value of a linked-up government approach to service delivery.

DEST Indigenous Education Branch Program Manager Betty Day helped demystify government processes for conference participants.

Professor Bridie Raban from the University of Melbourne provided entertaining and inspiring sessions about the Learning Theory underpinning the Literacy and Numeracy Profile and the application of the Profile.

Victorian Aboriginal Education Association General Manager Lionel Bamblett outlined the philosophy and role of VAEAI.

Aboriginal elder Melva Johnson’s inspirational address on the final day of the conference highlighted the importance of community and family for Aboriginal children.

South Australian Department of Education, Training and Employment Aboriginal Education Early Childhood Unit staff Debbie Moyle, Suzanne Hewson and Eunice Wanganeen-Bartlett discussed the development of literacy and numeracy strategies to help educators cater for the needs of Aboriginal children in South Australia.

Key message of the conference was how important it is that the literacy and numeric skills of indigenous children are advanced in a consistent and measurable way to reduce the disparity between indigenous and non-indigenous children.