Empowering Lives, Building a Literate Australia!

There has never been a time in Australia’s history when literacy was truly universal. Before the 20th century, education was the privilege of the few, and even as the country advanced through the 1940s and ’50s, full access to education remained unequal. The movement towards universal education became more organised during the 1960s, but prejudices remained entrenched, with labels like ‘ineducable’ still in use. These labels reflected not just a lack of understanding about conditions like dyslexia or apraxia but a limited view of human potential.

Even now, as we strive towards a fully literate Australia, there are gaps, particularly among people who have been through the prison system. Individuals recently released from prison often face significant communication and literacy challenges that go unnoticed or unaddressed, leading to social isolation and emotional hardship. Many people with literacy and language difficulties struggle to reconnect with their families, make friends, or engage meaningfully with society.

Justice Communications Australia (JCA) recognises the powerful impact of literacy and communication on people’s lives, especially for those recently released from prison. JCA offers the Straight Forward Mentoring Program that focuses on literacy and communication skills, to help people reintegrate into society.

JCA’s approach is about more than just teaching people to read and write—it’s about restoring a sense of agency and sharing the tools to navigate social institutions and build meaningful relationships.

One recent participant in JCA’s mentoring program shared how the support helped him in countless ways. He learned not only how to handle practical matters, such as obtaining birth certificates and housing, but also how to improve his relationships with his children and partner. Before connecting with JCA, he had spent months isolated, struggling with depression and battling addiction. Now, thanks to the program’s guidance, he is rebuilding his life, gaining confidence in his ability to communicate and handle challenges, and looking toward a future where he can secure a job and be a stable presence for his family.

This story reflects the broader reality faced by many who leave prison without adequate support systems. While navigating an unfamiliar environment, people can find themselves without much access to necessary resources, scattered referral for community support, and little guidance on how to empower themselves. Without literacy and communication skills, people can be left isolated and misunderstood, leading to further emotional struggles and even recidivism.

The Straight Forward Mentoring Program offers a lifeline. Helping individuals find their voice, manage their emotions, and take meaningful steps towards independence. Teaching someone how to communicate more effectively or to understand written information doesn’t just change their ability to read and write—it can change their entire trajectory. It can unlock potential that had been stifled for years, whether by prejudice, systemic failure, or personal circumstances.

The relationship between language, communication, and social outcomes is profound. Studies show that difficulties in these areas increase the risk of mental health issues, contribute to feelings of injustice and exclusion, and heighten the likelihood of negative emotional responses, such as anger or depression. Addressing these needs is crucial for preventing future issues and supporting people as they rebuild their lives post-incarceration. JCA’s program takes a compassionate, individualised approach which focuses on restoring dignity and opening doors for people who feel left behind.

As Australia continues to evolve, the vision of a fully literate population is closer than ever. Programs like those offered by JCA play a vital role in bridging the gaps, showing what is possible when we focus on education and the deeply human capacities of communication and connection. The country has not had full literacy in the past, but with collaborative efforts, we are now imagining—and building—a future in which everyone has access to these transformative skills.