Anwerne-Kenhe ayeye (Sharing Our Stories) at IAD’s event

Exactly two weeks ago on Friday September 7th, HAR’s author Margaret James, arranged for Year 1 and Secondary students to take an active part in IAD’s  ‘Sharing Our Stories Day’ event (http://iadpress.com/).

The older students had the opportunity to attend talks by Bob Randall, MK Turner and other well known authors. They had a private meeting in the IAD library with Bob , an Elder of the Yankunytjatjara people (3 HARs have been translated into Yankunytjatjara with Maria Stewart). The students were riveted to his every word as he encouraged them on their literacy and educational journey. He told them stories and listened to their questions. They had prepared their own illustrated stories to share with him and left feeling uplifted and motivated.

Year 1’s sang the song from Bob’s book live on Imparja, which made him very happy. Later they went back on stage, unrehearsed and live-to-air, to collectively read HAR 1 and to sing the song from that book, with Central Arrernte Elder and Amelia Turner (daughter of well known author, MK Turner), at their side.  The audience was  so impressed by their confidence and overall performance. Clearly these kinds of events are vitally important for our kids, to showcase their achievements and give them inspiration and encouragement in their learning.