Word for Word and Magabala Books launch Schools Program

THE Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival is partnering with Magabala Books to deliver its inaugural Schools Program.

On November 20, the program will feature three online events aimed at different age groups, ranging from Prep to Year 12.

These events will allow children to hear from celebrated First Nations children’s authors Bruce Pascoe, Kirli Saunders, and Aunty Fay Muir with co-author Sue Lawson.

Magabala Books’ board of directors’ member Aunty Edie Wright said the program provided a fantastic opportunity for both the children and the writers.

“The Magabala writers involved in the Schools Program are looking forward to sharing their stories and wisdom, and the online format allows them to reach students from all across the country.”

Geelong Regional Library Corporation chief executive officer Patti Manolis agreed the program was an exciting addition to the festival.

“We are so proud to introduce a schools program as part of the Word for Word Festival this year,” she said.

“Partnering with Magabala Books presents an incredible opportunity for our younger generations to hear first-hand from an enviable line-up of First Nations’ writers.”

Pascoe – the author of Young Dark Emu – will be speaking at the second session, “A Truer History”, recommended for children from Year 5 to Year 8.

Pascoe said the sessions, like his book, would encourage young readers to reconsider Australia’s history before European colonisation.

“These sessions are a chance for school children to learn more about the way Australia was before Europeans arrived – these stories that they might not learn from school history books.”

All Word for Word Festival Schools Program sessions are free but have limited places.

To register or for more information, head to [email protected].