Nyirripi School publishes bilingual book with World Vision
Through World Vision’s Unlock Literacy Project, Nyirripi School students have written and designed their own bilingual book in English and Warlpiri called ‘Ninu Kurlu’, meaning ‘about bilbies’.
The inspiration for the book came after releasing 32 ninu (bilbies) to the traditional lands of the Ngalia-Warlpiri and Luritja people for the first time in over a century, with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).
“The children absolutely loved the experience, they have never seen bilbies and thought they were very cute,” Nyirripi Teacher Tracey Millar said.
“They also talked about wanting to be rangers when they grow up which is a wonderful pathway to work,” Ms Millar said.
With help from teachers, rangers and community Elders, the students wrote about this significant event in Warlpiri and English, and made illustrations using Canva and Procreate on the computer and iPads.
When the book launched, the students were glowing with pride at what they had created.
Bilingual education strengthens culture and community connection in schools, improving both educational outcomes and language preservation.
In the near future, AWC has also agreed to collaborate and create additional Warlpiri language books with Nyirripi School and World Vision.
