Schools across the nation are being invited to learn a song in a northern Australian Indigenous language as part of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation's Busking for Change initiative.

In 2023, the fundraiser's first, more than $80,000 was raised to support Indigenous communities access books and have their stories published in language, with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation's (ILF) aiming to raise the amount raised to $110,000 in 2024.

This year's Busking for Change song is is Shordi Krik, written in English and Kriol by the students at the Northern Territory's Barunga Remote Community School and ILF Lifetime Ambassador, Justine Clarke.

Ms Clarke said the Barunga community holds a special place in her heart.

"As does this great song Shordi Krik, published as a beautiful book by the ILF and selected as the Busking for Change song for 2024," she said.

"I have been working with the Barunga school kids since 2017. The students speak, sing and perform in multiple languages, including their common language, Kriol.

"Shordi Krik is the first original song they've written about their unique way of life in their beautiful Community, playing and fishing in the local creek. We want all of Australia to be singing it."

The initiative was developed by ARIA award-winner and ILF Lifetime Ambassador Josh Pyke, who said Busking for Change was highly successful last year.

"The kids were so engaged, and the atmosphere was mind blowing," Mr Pike said.

"It makes my heart sing when I hear students confidently pumping out words in Kriol, because the students have not only learned a new song, but they've also learned words in an Aboriginal Language, a language that is widely spoken in the Northern parts of Australia."

Last year, 84 schools participated in the musical fundraiser, with the ILF aiming to increase that number to 115 in 2024.

ILF Ambassador and Indigenous musician, Rhyan Clapham - known by his stage name DOBBY - has also thrown his support behind Busking for Change.

"I'm a big supporter of the work that ILF does in both strengthening literacy and normalising Indigenous languages in school books," he said.

"Music is an integral part of our culture, and so naturally it is a very grounding way to engage and connect with culture and Country.

"I'm proud and grateful to be able to use music in this way to learn and engage in Cultural knowledge."

The ILF's Busking For Change website provides schools with the charts, lyrics, instructional videos and support that allows teachers and students to learn the song in both English and Kriol.

ILF Ambassador, author and specialist educator, Shelley Ware, said the support materials are curriculum aligned and designed to be utilised across numerous subject areas.

"Busking for Change aligns with the National Curriculum - languages, music, art, drama, civic and citizenship, respectful relationships - the list goes on," Ms Ware said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for your school and your classrooms to connect with First Nations culture. Learn a song, change the world!"

Primary schools are being invited to sign up for Busking for Change ahead of the Term 3 start date, with the fundraiser culminating with entire schools, classrooms, groups or individual students performing their final busk on Indigenous Literacy Day, Wednesday 4 September.

Schools who register to participate in Busking for Change and raise at least $50 will be sent a Busking for Change book pack with two ILF published bilingual children's books - including Shordi Krik and Country Tells Us When - to help share the work of the ILF within their school community.

There are also prizes for state and independent schools who raise the most funds, a small school prize and a special draw.

Registrations are now open via the Busking for Change website.