General News
11 March, 2026
Reading and writing success
LITERACY for Life, an education program in Mossman, is now in its second year, having featured before in the ‘Goss’ and as a general news story in the Douglas Gazette.
With a new term just underway, this amazing initiative has not ceased to amaze me, yet again, with a classful of eager new students keen to learn.
Entrants to this new term must have to be registered by week three to be part of the course. Those who miss this deadline will be able to get involved when further new registrations are taken in June.
The idea was originally launched in Mossman, last year, as part of NAIDOC week, following the success of the Yarrabah program and in preparation for expansion into Cairns and Mapoon.
I attended this initial opening celebration and was extremely impressed and delighted by the numbers in attendance the following week. This level of interest was maintained right through the year.
“The first year of classes was successfully delivered with its initial adult literacy campaign on Kuku Yalanji Country, marking an important milestone for the Mossman community,” said campaign project officer Skye Bickford. “At the end of last year, the first 17 graduates of the program celebrated at the Mossman Shire Hall,” she said.
“It’s been an adventure, full of laughs and learning. It’s an honour to be part of this journey. Preparations are already underway for the next intake planned for February 2026.”
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.
Local community members Dakota Bowen and Kapreece Swindley led the initial classroom delivery, supported by campaign coordinator Jody Wallace. Their work was strengthened by steady engagement from families, Elders and local organisations. Ms Wallace said the campaign marked a meaningful step forward for Mossman.
“We have achieved so much this year, watching student’s confidence build alongside their literacy skills. Being our first time running in Mossman, I feel the class has supported us just as much as we’ve supported them to success.”
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.
“We’ve worked alongside local agencies throughout our ‘Everyday Literacy’ classes to help students and their extended families become more familiar with the services in the Shire. It’s been a successful campaign, and we’re excited about the positive impacts this will have.”
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. As the next generation, I feel it’s my responsibility to look after my Mob. The older generation wasn’t given the educational opportunities we now have. So being able to give back and help bridge the gap, to help people read, write and make everyday life easier makes me proud. It’s a privilege to give them that opportunity,” Ms Swindley said.
Now in it’s second year, Literacy for Life continues to prove that community-led change is not only possible, but powerful. As the movement grows, so too does the vision: a future where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have access to the opportunities that come with improved literacy, for themselves, their families and generations to come.
I’m off to give the new classmates 10 out of 10, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
