General News
8 September, 2025
Making life so literate
LITERACY For Life is a new campaign launched in Mossman, following the success of the Yarrabah program and in preparation for expansion into Cairns and Mapoon.
Mossman’s campaign was officially launched during NAIDOC Week on July 31, with a vibrant celebration at their location in Front St.
Local facilitators Dakota Bowen and Kapreece Swindley, guided by campaign coordinator Jody Wallace, are leading the program with strong community support.
“I’m very excited to be part of this program. It’s a milestone for our community,” Ms Wallace said.
The Literacy for Life Foundation, co-founded by Professor Jack Beetson, is a national Aboriginal-led organisation committed to improving adult literacy in First Nations communities.
Inspired and guided by Cuba’s successful ‘Yes, I Can’ campaign, the foundation has adapted the model to suit Australian communities, empowering people to lead their own learning journeys in culturally safe and supportive environments.
Mossman’s literacy classes are now underway, with 22 participants enrolled in the first week.
Campaign project officer Skye Bickford praised the team’s hard work and dedication since the beginning of phase 1, the mobilisation and socialisation stage.
During this phase, 11 local survey workers engaged the community, assessed literacy needs and promoted the upcoming program.
“We are very lucky that these amazing ladies also applied for and secured permanent roles in the campaign,” Ms Bickford said.
Dakota Bowen, a busy mum, originally volunteered to assist with surveys and is now employed as a facilitator in the program. She has already proven to be an invaluable asset.
“I’m very happy to help my local Bama, it’s been a successful first week and we are all excited about the positive impacts this will have,” Ms Bowen said.
Kapreece Swindley, who is the youngest facilitator, reflected on what the role means to her. “It is about being able to help my people and give back to them, as they have paved the way for us,” she said.
“As the next generation, I feel it’s my responsibility to look after my Mob.”
Read More: Mossman
