‘I can speak on this here’: empowerment within an Aboriginal adult literacy campaign

Abstract

This case study details the impacts of an Aboriginal-led adult literacy campaign in Brewarrina between 2015 and 2017. Forming part of a wider investigation into literacy as a social determinant of health, the study explores the relationship between involvement in the literacy campaign and the capacity of graduates to take greater control of the conditions affecting their lives. Empowerment is used here as the central explanatory construct despite robust criticism of theoretical slippage. We argue that empowerment remains relevant particularly in the context of ongoing and entrenched disenfranchisement of the low-literate in Australian Aboriginal communities. Drawing on in-depth ‘yarning’ interviews, we find strong evidence of individual empowerment among graduates of the adult literacy campaign, particularly in terms of increased self-control and confidence. However, collective change such as increased participation and organisation at the community level is less apparent. This finding underscores two important aspects of empowerment. Firstly, like learning to read and write, the task of regaining personal and collective power can be a slow and difficult undertaking. Secondly, achieving empowerment is intimately linked to addressing the causes of disempowerment. This ultimately means tackling those power relations which impact choices, opportunities and well-being beyond the borders of individual's lives and communities.

Impact of a Community-Controlled Adult Literacy Campaign on Crime and Justice Outcomes in Remote Australian Aboriginal Communities

“…Serious offences were halved in our study group, especially in women and in relation to assault. Previous research into the impacts of the literacy campaign pointed to improvements in self-control (Williamson and Boughton 2020). One female participant reported the change in herself, saying: 'Before the class, I woulda gone there and busted myself.…”

“…This partnership approach to conducting research activities with First Nation communities aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN General Assembly 2007). Previous research has documented a range of benefits for Indigenous people, including measurable literacy improvements, improved self-confidence and selfcontrol, reduction in alcohol and drug use, reduced aggression and an increased sense of community and community cohesion (Boughton et al 2013;Boughton and Williamson 2019;Durnan and Boughton 2018;Lin et al 2020;Ratcliffe and Boughton 2019;Williamson and Boughton 2020).…”

Meretas Jalan Literasi Ekonomi Petani Pedesaan: Sebuah Tinjauan Awal Rencana Implementasi

“…Namun, dengan literasi yang baik masyarakat bisa menolong pikiran dan peradabannya sendiri. Literasi mampu membuat orang berdaya, percaya diri, kritis, dan kaya akan pilihan hidup (Freire, 1970;Williamson & Boughton, 2020;Sen, 2000).…”

Failing adult learners: Why Rwanda’s adult literacy education is not delivering

“…The highest proportion of people classified as illiterate live in sub-Saharan Africa (UNESCO, 2015). Literacy empowers people, giving them more confidence in themselves and enables them to think critically and make purposive choices about how they live their lives (Aksornkool, 2003;Freire, 1970;Sen, 1999;Williamson and Boughton, 2020). It opens up new opportunities for people to lift themselves and their families out of poverty, improve their self-esteem, stand up for their human rights and participate actively in politics (Colclough et al, 2005;Wolhuter and Barbieri, 2017).…”