Noongar version of Better Beginnings’ Baby Ways book launches Statewide

An award-winning early years literacy program has expanded to include the Noongar language, with the launch of the first dual language Baby Ways book. Baby Ways began in 2004 and has distributed almost one million copies of the English version of its book Statewide. The new Maawit Mart/Baby Ways book will be given to Aboriginal families living on Noongar land. It aims to close the gap in literacy rates between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. The book features WA babies sitting, bathing, reading and playing, with words in Noongar and English. Maawit Mart/Baby Ways is set to be included in the Better Beginnings pack presented to all new families in WA as part of a wider program that encourages parents to read to their children. The Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program is supported by Rio Tinto and delivered in partnership with local public libraries and community health workers. It has been boosted by election commitments to expand the program in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions and new grant programs for public libraries and community groups. Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the initiative worked with families to provide the very best start in terms of literacy and help young children develop a love for literature. “Literacy is a bedrock for future success, which is why Better Beginnings is such an important program,” he said. “Maawit Mart/Baby Ways is a great way for Noongar families to celebrate and promote their language with their babies and toddlers. “I encourage all families and carers to read, talk, sing, write and play with their child, every day.” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said he was delighted the book had been translated into Noongar. “It is so important for children to see their culture in active form around them. It helps them maintain and grow those strong links to their cultural heritage while also improving literacy,” Mr Buti said. “The Better Beginnings Family Literacy program is award-winning and this expansion of the program will ensure that even more children and families are introduced to reading at a young age.”