‘Block Lingo’ Helping Redfern Kids Re-Engage With Education

Redfern’s Indigenous kids are re-engaging with education through the inaugural ‘Lingo from the Block’ project – run by NFP Augustinian Volunteers Australia (AVA) and made possible by $8,760 funding from the ‘Yes’ Optus Community Grants program.

About ‘Lingo From The Block’

The project is developing an electronic colloquial language guide specific to Redfern’s Indigenous community, helping reconnect young people with their traditional languages.

AVA is working with Indigenous young people who are disengaged with the formal education system. ‘Lingo from the Block’ uses volunteer mentors and iPads for the students to collect words and phrases from local Redfern elders and families to put into a digital compendium to present and share in class.

Paul Wilson from AVA says they are starting to see more kids participating in the program and he hopes this will result in better employment opportunities down the track.

AVA Working With Tribal Warriors

Since April 2012 AVA volunteers in Redfern have been helping Aboriginal high school students with classes in literacy and numeracy, working with the Tribal Warrior Association, a NFP community organisation initiated and directed by Aboriginal people with Aboriginal Elders, who run mentoring and maritime training programs.

There are three classes a week, following an early morning physical exercise session from 6.00 am to 7.30 am provided by Tribal Warriors.

Enjoy!