Meet Australia’s newest ambassador: Sarah Nizar. Photo: Sarah Nizar.
Sarah Nizar know’s first-hand how easy it is to avoid picking up a good book when our lives get busy.
She told Region that despite being a keen fiction reader, when she entered high school, schoolwork became her priority.
“I felt like my time got limited and I wasn’t able to read in my free time,” she explained.
“In high school, I was reading course textbooks. I felt so bad – as soon as I got to high school, there was a lot to study.”
The University of Wollongong pre-med student has been named Australia’s 2026 Youth Literacy Ambassador with the World Literacy Foundation.
“I just liked the idea of giving back,” Sarah said when asked why she applied for the program.
“For children to be able to do what they like, literacy is such an important element of that.
“Everything these days is communication and being able to read. If a child – or anyone – isn’t exposed to that skill, then they may struggle in the future to do what they like.”
Her appointment means that she will spend three months working with her fellow ambassadors to promote literacy in their communities.
A 2024 report from the Grattan Institute revealed a shocking number of Australian students were underperforming in reading.
The report notes that NAPLAN data indicate reading performance has been “mostly stagnant” over the previous decade.
“According to 2023 NAPLAN results, about one in three Australian students are not meeting grade-level expectations in reading … Australia has too many ‘instructional casualties’ – students who should read proficiently, but haven’t been taught well.”
So far, she said the ambassadors have had their onboarding and early online modules.
In her role, she will lead local literacy projects, speak at community events, and raise awareness of the growing number of children falling behind in reading.
They will also organise a fundraising event.
“What stood out to me [about the program] is that they’re doing this for school kids,” Sarah said.
“Literacy has a major impact on their lives.”
Sarah believes early intervention can make all the difference in keeping kids engaged with reading.
“When I was younger, I really struggled with my comprehension. I wanted to change that and improve … A way to do that was reading more,” she said.
But for that to happen, she said children need to have access to books (as well as any extra support they need) just as they’re starting to learn to read.
“It all ties back together into literacy, having a big impact on children’s lives and their futures, as well.
“That’s going to stick with them for the rest of their lives. I know you grow [literacy skills], but it’s easier if you get the right support early on.”
As a teenager, Sarah volunteered as a tutor to help children with their literacy and numeracy skills, and also served as a basketball coach.
Since moving to Wollongong, she’s been visiting hospital to support families while their children are ill.
She says her experiences of volunteering work, which means she can see kids “grow and gain confidence”, are rewarding.
“I think every child has potential.
“I’ve just always been very passionate about young children and helping them. I don’t really know where that came from.”
For Sarah, the next three months will be a time to balance her ambassadorship program with her university studies.
“I am really busy – but I thought that if I have a bit of spare time, I can try to make a difference in the world.”
In 2024, fellow Canberran Harini Babu was appointed as that year’s Youth Ambassador.
