Programs
Rabeck Foundation uses a variety of teaching methods and programs. The key to our programs is The DD Code English Language Learning System.
Developed in Australia over the past 25 years, The DD Code provides a phonetic-based solution to reading, comprehension and pronunciation.
Specially trained teachers will travel to indigenous communities across Australia to deliver resources and teaching aid to local schools. The focus of each program is to introduce students to new ways of improving literacy using The DD Code, and to ensure local teachers have the skills and resources to continue using the system after we leave.
Literacy Program
Rabeck Foundation, a newly formed not-for-profit organisation, has conducted the first of what is hoped to be many literacy programs to be delivered to indigenous communities across Australia. The aim is to provide a stronger reading foundation for aboriginal children and to improve general literacy standards in adults.
The program was conducted in the town of Cherbourg, located approximately 250km north-west of Brisbane in the South Burnett region. Cherbourg has endured low literacy levels and high unemployment rates for generations.
A group of indigenous males participated in the program, which uses the Australian developed learning system called ‘The DD Code’. Rabeck Foundation provided teaching staff and resources to conduct the program.
Using globally recognised benchmarks, the Neale and Burt Reports, results from the program showed an average reading improvement of 68% and an average comprehension improvement of 52%.
Rabeck Foundation’s CEO Reon Witherdin commented, “With the support of local government and the community of Cherbourg, we were very pleased to conduct our first literacy program here. The results show a positive outcome for all participants with some truly remarkable individual improvements. This has paved the way for more programs to be rolled out.
We believe that increasing the literacy levels will not only increase their opportunities in areas of employment and social inter-action, but will gradually decrease the levels of crime and anti-social behavior, so often the result of perceived inferiority and alienation.
“The small group of people who participated in the program displayed a genuine desire to improve their quality of life, and they now understand that literacy plays a huge part in that. It takes work, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Our mission is to deliver this program to as many indigenous communities as possible, but we can’t do it alone. It requires the efforts of indigenous leaders and communities, along with government support. We have got the ball rolling on these fronts and now we are looking for corporate Australia to get on board and play their part. We’ve got a proven literacy solution, now we must get it to the people who need it most.”
See the Literacy Program results below. These are from a 48 hr course held over an 8 week period.
*The figures below reflect the Neale Raw Score.
Neale Accuracy & Comprehension Test
