At Learning Links, we believe every child deserves the chance to feel confident, capable, and supported in their learning journey. The James N. Kirby Foundation is helping us make that belief a reality through their generous support of our new Aboriginal Education and Wellbeing Program.
This program will provide targeted, one-on-one support to Aboriginal children in two primary schools in the Liverpool area in Sydney. Many of these children in these schools are from disadvantaged backgrounds and are quietly struggling with learning difficulties that are too often overlooked or misunderstood.
Through our partnership with the Liverpool Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), our Aboriginal Education and Wellbeing Program will deliver a culturally informed, strengths-based model of support that focuses on three key areas:
Literacy Support – Children will receive weekly one-on-one sessions with a specialist teacher to build essential reading and writing skills. Using evidence-based methods tailored to their learning style, these sessions aim to boost phonemic awareness (understanding of the sounds in words), spelling, comprehension, confidence and classroom participation.
Numeracy Support – For children struggling with numeracy, we will offer personalised support to strengthen foundational maths skills, starting with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Our approach helps students feel less anxious about numbers and more confident in solving problems, working at their own pace in a supportive environment.
Mental Health and Wellbeing – Many of the children referred to this program also experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or emotional dysregulation, which can have significant and lasting impacts on learning. Our psychologist-led wellbeing sessions will focus on helping students understand their feelings, manage stress, build resilience, and improve emotional regulation. These are critical skills for success at school and beyond.
In total, up to 32 students will be supported across two terms, with some receiving both literacy and numeracy and psychological support. The program also includes professional learning opportunities for teachers and Aboriginal Education Officers to ensure they are upskilled and program strategies continue in the classroom long after the direct sessions end.
This isn’t just about catching up. It’s about helping children feel proud of how they learn. It’s about showing them, and the adults around them, that with the right support, their potential is limitless.
We are incredibly grateful to the James N. Kirby Foundation for believing in this vision and funding a vital, life-changing program that puts learning, wellbeing, and cultural connection at its heart.