The FILLs model is a community partnership that delivers a whole of family approach to English literacy, learning and engagement with the Australian education system. The initiative is guided by the principal that parent engagement with, and support of, education is the single most reliable and effective indicator of successful educational outcomes, more than socio-economic and cultural indicators combined. Focussing on family connection to education, FILLS specifically seeks to coordinate literacy and homework programs, allowing whole family participation at the one time and location, thereby overcoming significant logistical and socio-economic boundaries.

FILLS Partners include MMV LLEN, Maribyrnong City Council, Melbourne City Mission, Centre for Multicultural Youth, primary and secondary schools across government and catholic sectors, the Scanlon Foundation, School Focused Youth Services, Adult Migrant Education Services, and many, many volunteers from the local community.

We are also delighted to announce that the MMV LLEN partnership was the recipient of the Minister's Award for its Family Inclusive Language and Learning Support (FILLS) Program at the recent Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Early Years Awards. The Minister for Children and Early Childhood development presented the award to many of the partners present at the award ceremony. The Award provides $15 000 which will be used for the purpose of professional development. See the video of the presentation here

Make sure to check out the gallery for some great photos of the FILLS project and the award ceremony

GALLERY