The Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s Talent Pathways Program puts young First Nations talent on the pathway to success.
First Nations participants from remote communities in the Northern Territory have joined the official launch and inaugural workshops of the ILF’s Talent Pathways Program in Sydney in April.
The new program, supported by Lendlease’s Workplaces with Impact Grant, is a two-year pilot program that prepares and equips First Nations participants to use their creative skills within their communities as publishers, graphic designers or writers.
“As a community-led organisation, this new program has been a long time in the making, off the back of decades of supplying support through the provision of culturally relevant books and literacy material around Australia,” ILF CEO Ben Bowen said. “In life, it is easy to lose sight of where you can have a true, sustainable impact, but the ILF has the incredible privilege of trust in the communities we have partnered with.
Biannually, the ILF will choose four participants aged 17-24 years who are not studying but looking for new career opportunities, from its existing CREATE and Pamela Lofts programs, to go into Talent Pathways. The program will involve learning modules, mentorship, practical experience and tailored study based on each individual’s unique career passions, in community.
“This value of the lived experience has given us the insight and confidence to invest in people to access the opportunities and live up to our motto of ‘reading opens doors’. Through ‘Talent Pathways’, the ILF will invest in people and work with partners to support them in accessing opportunities and support in their aspirations and futures,” Bowen added.
Below are the inaugural participants along with their goals and interests:
- Deborah “Rose” Archie, 23, from Bulla – Find new and creative ideas to write and illustrate
- Rusinya “Ruby” Brooks, 21, from Milikapiti, speaks her people’s Tiwi language and English – Wants to turn words into illustrations, make a graphic novel, cover or illustration and get better at digital art
- Murrwale Godden, 23, from Jilkminggan, speaks a mix of Kriol-English – Creative interests within the IT and drawing space of digital art
- Bronanna Waterloo, 21, from Amanbidji, speaks Ngarinyman-Kriol – Interested in colour and design
“It’s exciting to be at the start point of this program, for the participants and myself. The Talent Pathways builds on the years-long work between communities and the ILF and has been tailored to meet community needs,” ILF Talent Pathways Project Manager Darren Moncrieff said.
According to Moncrieff, after several online sessions since January, it was their first time meeting each other in Sydney, where they spent four fruitful days in practical sessions with some ILF staff. From this, they will build on what they have set in motion in the coming months.
“We’re proud to support the [ILF]’s Talent Pathways program, providing meaningful learning opportunities for career growth,” said Vanessa Orth, Managing Director of Lendlease Investment Management. “Supporting initiatives like Talent Pathways lies at the heart of our Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan, and we look forward to seeing the participants achieve great outcomes.”
Read also: Solid Ground marks 10 years of fueling First Nations arts
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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