Ako Aotearoa was proud to present at the 2025 Australia Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) Conference, held in Melbourne on 4–5 September.
Initially formed in 1976, ACAL is an incorporated association in Australia that aims to promote adult literacy and numeracy policy and practice. ACAL provides leadership, debate, networks and advocacy for adult literacy and numeracy on behalf of all Australians, including promoting research that can inform changes in workplace learning, community, ESL and vocational education and training.
The 2025 ACAL conference brought together educators and sector leaders from across Australia and New Zealand to explore how adult literacy and numeracy can better support learners and communities.
Manako Senior Advisor, Annette Tofaeono, delivered a well-received presentation as part of the conference programme titled Upskilling educators, empowering learners: Strengthening adult literacy through dyslexia-friendly and values-based approaches.
The session focused on two of Ako Aotearoa’s offerings, the Tapatoru Ako Professional Practice Award and the Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark (DFQM). Now in their fourth year, both programmes have demonstrated measurable success working directly with organisations and their teams to improve outcomes for their adult learners, particularly Māori, Pacific, neurodivergent, and culturally diverse communities.
Annette’s presentation highlighted how these initiatives equip tertiary educators and learning support practitioners with practical, learner-centred strategies that can promote confidence, success, and employability amongst ākonga (learners). Due to high interest from conference attendees, Annette’s session was moved to a larger room to accommodate the larger turnout.
“It was a privilege to present, and even better to see the enormous interest here in Australia for our Tapatoru and DFQM programmes. These are seen as unique and innovative approaches in Aotearoa,” said Annette.
Ako Aotearoa's Annette Tofaeono (right) and President of ACAL Jo Medlin
The conference also highlighted Australia’s new National Foundation Skills Strategy 2025–2035, which focuses on language, literacy, numeracy, digital (LLND) and employability skills. Backed by significant funding, the strategy supports initiatives such as Skills for Education and Employment, First Nations education, and the Adult Migrant English Programme.
“It was interesting to find out more about the Australian adult literacy landscape and the rollout of their new national strategy. I believe there’s real potential for collaboration and shared learning between our two countries.” Annette added.
The success of the Tapatoru and DFQM programmes reflects the power of values-driven professional development at an organisational level that creates safe, empowering, and strengths-based learning environments. Ako Aotearoa remains committed to supporting educators and learners through inclusive, culturally responsive frameworks that drive positive change.
Visit the ACAL 2025 Conference website to download Annette’s presentation.
