The 5 million Swedish Kronor (about $459,735) 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award has gone to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, which "encourages reading and promote literacy by securing access to good literature for First Nations children of Australia," the prize organizers wrote. "The organization works in 427 First Nations Communities all over the Australian continent. ILF emphasizes the importance of First Nations children finding themselves, their culture and their languages reflected in the books they read."
The jury commented: "With curiosity and respect, Indigenous Literacy Foundation works with reading and storytelling among First Nations children in Australia. In close collaboration with Communities, they highlight the value of all people's own languages and stories. By spreading books and stimulating reading, storytelling and creativity, Indigenous Literacy Foundation builds the desire to read and fosters pride, self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Every child has the right to their language and their stories."