The Territory Labor Government’s key early childhood program, Families as First Teachers, has now expanded to 47 sites across the NT, with the official opening today of the new Braitling site.

Minister for Education, Selena Uibo, and Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield, today opened the FaFT at Braitling Primary School – one of seven new sites to open in 2019.

As part of its investment in early childhood, the Territory Labor Government plans to expand the program to 53 sites by the end of next year – nearly double the number since coming to Government in 2016.

Ms Uibo announced $1.5 million for the expansion of FaFT to seven new sites as part of the 2019/20 Education Budget.

FaFT focuses on early learning literacy and numeracy by supporting families to become their children’s first teachers. More than 2000 Territory families are currently enrolled.

Of the 47 sites currently operating across the Territory, 40 are in remote or very remote communities. More than half of all FaFT employees are Aboriginal which has meant local jobs in communities and has provided opportunities for pursuing a career in education. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Territory Labor Government is delivering on our promised expansion of our FaFT program, which helps all our children to be ready for day one of school, no matter where they live.

“Being ready for day one of school is essential. It shapes a child’s ability to thrive educationally, to stay healthy and to be socially connected.

“FaFT recognises that parents and families are a child’s first and most important teachers and helps them to contribute to their child’s development in the critical early years, from birth to age five, so they arrive at school ready and willing to learn.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield.

“This investment in Braitling FaFT is an investment in Alice Springs’ most important asset: our children.

“When you invest in children, you invest in the future of the Northern Territory and I am very pleased to be able to deliver this important asset to the families of Braitling, to support them in giving their children the very best start in life.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144