PRESS RELEASE: Vulnerable children still missing out in Book Week 2026
THURSDAY 27 AUGUST
Vulnerable children still missing out in Book Week 2026
In Book Week 2026 the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) celebrates all the wonderful authors, librarians, parents, carers, speech pathologists, teachers, early childhood educators … everyone who is bringing literacy to life for our children.
Anne Hollonds AO, Chief Executive, said: ‘This year, Book Week comes shortly after concerning results from the NAPLAN tests landed in the media, showing serious declines in the literacy skills of children across Australia. There is much more work needed from governments across the federation to build strong scaffolding for literacy and language education.
Literacy is a core human capability that opens up the world for children. Far too many children living with disadvantage are missing out, including many vulnerable children who end up in out-of-home care and incarcerated in youth detention centres.
These are children whose families live with poverty, discrimination, and educational exclusion. These children need extra help with literacy education because schools are often under-resourced and unable to provide the intensive literacy support that children need in order to thrive and to feel they belong at school.
Education, including for literacy, is a human right for all children. Despite Australia being a rich and developed country, we are still failing to address the unmet needs of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.’
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT
Anne Hollonds AO, Chief Executive of the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation. Former National Children’s Commissioner.
Ph: 0411 382 692
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN LITERACY & NUMERACY FOUNDATION
The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) is a national charity dedicated to raising language, literacy and communication outcomes across Australia.
For more than 25 years, ALNF has worked alongside communities to deliver specialised, evidence-based programs that create lasting opportunities for children, young people and families. Our work spans diverse communities across Australia, with a strong focus on First Nations communities, refugee and newly arrived communities, and those experiencing barriers to literacy and education.
At ALNF, we believe literacy is freedom. Strong language and literacy skills open pathways to education, connection and opportunity, enabling people to participate fully in society, express themselves and have their voices heard.
