A record seven new Families as First Teachers(FaFT) centres highlights the 2019 Education Budget, which continues to deliveron the Territory Labor Governments investment in generational change.
The Territory LaborGovernment will spend $1.5 million to expand FaFT to seven remotecommunities, bringing the total number operating in the Territory to 53 (upfrom 27 centres in 2016).
The FaFT program, introduced by a TerritoryLabor Government 10-years ago, focuses on early learning literacy and numeracyso young children are ready for day one of school.
The seven communities are:
Robinson River
Areyonga
Urapunga
Barunga
Laramba
Mount Allan
Milikapiti
The total Department of Education Budget for2019 is $1.08 billion, nearly half of which, $518 million, is to go directly toschools to support student learning and to recruit teachers.
Other highlights of the 2019 Education Budgetare:
More teachers after the former CLP Governmentcut numbers
$29 million for Stage 2 of Zuccoli which willsee the construction of a Territory Government primary school and sharedfacilities, including an oval.
$2 million for an engagement centre at TennantCreek High School to support programs such as STARS and Clontarf.
$2.3 million to deliver professional learningand coaching programs to improve the quality of teaching.
$2.2 million to establish the School and SystemImprovement unit to support schools to measure the progress towards achievingimproved outcomes for our students.
$2 million towards the Framework for Inclusionto promote an environment in NT Government schools which is inclusive, fair andfocused on delivering learning to meet individual needs.
Budget 2019 also includes the third round of the TerritoryLabor Governments core Building Better Schools initiative, which will seeevery school receive $300,000 to upgrade their infrastructure over this term ofgovernment.
As noted by Ministerfor Education, Selena Uibo.
The Territory Labor Governmentwill always invest more in education, because we know education is key togenerational change and creating brighter futures for all children.
The FaFT program is soimportant because parents and families are childrens first and most importantteachers and it supports them in a culturally sensitive way. More than half ofour FaFT employees are Aboriginal.
Being ready for day one ofschool is essential for kids later success and ability to contribute tosociety, both socially and economically. It shapes a childs ability to thriveat school, stay healthy and be socially connected.
Unlike the CLP, who slashed$135 million from the education budget and sacked hundreds of teachers andsupport staff, we are investing in education because its not just the rightthing to do, its the smart thing to do.
Quotefrom FaFT Family Educator, Meg Hewett, below:
TheFaFT Program empowers families in Galiwinku to raise strong children in bothYolngu and Balanda worlds as the first step in their educational journey.
Eachday the learning and growth of our youngest community members is visible through song, story, culture, dance, language, art and play.
MediaContact Jasmin Afianos 0419 361 127
