DESPITE media reports throughout Australia about low literacy rates among Aboriginal children, a young teacher is quietly lifting the standard.
North Balga Primary School teacher Gemma Grigg has been acknowledged for her commitment to improving the literacy rates of her students.
The 22-year-old was named the Outstanding Educator of the Year in the Aboriginal Awards of Achievement section during the 2009 Education Department Awards night
Last year, Miss Grigg had an idea to restructure the Education Support Unit to eliminate the stigma surrounding it and had the unit replaced with the ‘Moorditj Learning Centre’.
She wanted to create a high profile Aboriginal educational centre, designed to accommodate the learning needs of both indigenous and non-indigenous students with learning difficulties.
The young teacher also wanted to make Aboriginal parents feel more comfortable in approaching the school to discuss their child’s educational needs.
School’s principal Ros Kay, said Miss Grigg had helped the children significantly.
“Their attendance has improved by 8 per cent and literacy levels have improved by 30 per cent,” she said. “Our Aboriginal parents now feel more comfortable in approaching the school to discuss their child’s education needs.”
They now meet Miss Grigg regularly.
“They have praised the school on this initiative and for thinking outside the square in regards to finding a solution.”