Year 9 students from Macleay Vocational College publish a Dunghutti language book for children

The project is facilitated through the Youth Frontiers program and requires the students to come up with a project for the community.

The 11 students involved also worked with local elders and art teachers to design the book.

Macleay Vocational College Year 9 coordinator Tim Moorehead said the project was a way for students to express their culture and language.

"The project is an extension of what they are taught in class at the college and provided a way for the students to connect with the elders and get involved in culture," he said.

"The book was the student's idea to use culture and tell stories."

The book includes English and Dunghutti translations for numbers and animals and aims to improve literacy and numeracy for preschool aged children.

Kempsey Shire Council's Director Corporate and Commercial Stephen Mitchell presented the college with a $900 cheque on Wednesday that will go towards printing 40 copies of the book.

"It's a great way for the students to get involved in the community and strengthen their cultural connection," Mr Mitchell said.

The books will be donated to local preschools, day care centres, libraries and the young mums program at the college.

"It's a way to reclaim the Dunghutti language and pass that knowledge onto the younger generation," Mr Moorehead said.