Noongar version of Better Beginnings Baby Ways book launched
An award winning early years literacy program has been expanded to include the Noongar language, with the launch of the first dual language Baby Ways book.
Maawit Mart/Baby Ways will be given to Aboriginal families living on Noongar land and aims to help narrow the gap between literacy rates for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children.
The Baby Ways book is an engaging and fun-to-read book that features Western Australian babies sitting, bathing, reading and playing. It is included in the Better Beginnings pack that is presented to all new families in Western Australia at birth as part of a wider program that encourages parents to read to their children.
Supported by Rio Tinto and delivered in partnership with local public libraries and community health workers, the program has been boosted by election commitments to expand the program in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions and a new grants program for public libraries and community groups.