Canberra, Wednesday 5 September, 2001

ANU and rugby star team up to tackle child literacy in ACT

Wallabies and Brumbies star Stephen Larkham, is working to help encourage reading and the valuing of books in the ACT, by throwing his weight behind an innovative new reading program, Books for Kids. The project is a joint effort between The Australian National University and the ACT Department of Education.

The program is based on the very successful New Zealand concept, Books in Homes, devised by well known author Alan Duff (Once Were Warriors). The world-famous All Blacks were recruited to promote the cause, with the players motivating children and delivering books to schools. The combination of famous role models and books as gifts proved a winner, literacy performances jumped and behaviour also improved.

The Australian project aims to promote the same type of enthusiasm for literacy and reading by presenting one or more books to all ACT government primary school children. "The books will be supplied without reference to the children's ethnic, racial, language or socio-economic background." ANU coordinator Ms Anna Damiano said. "We also hope to encourage other popular role models such as Stephen, to come into schools and help promote reading and books to the children."

ACT Education Minister Bill Stefaniak, who is launching the program, believes the concept will be a great success in the territory. "This project aims to promote reading and the value of books. What is impressive about it, is the input of students, parents and teachers in shaping its direction," Mr Stefaniak said.

The ANU decided to push ahead with Books for Kids, after Alan Duff visited the University for a literary event last year. "The project is an obvious one for the ANU to support," Ms Damiano said. "Improved literary skills encourage children to learn and go on to higher education."

Pilot projects are expected to be up and running in 10 schools by the end of the year. Currently sponsors are being sought to help finance the program.

What: Books for Kids launch
Where: The Library, WK Hancock Building, Sullivans Creek Rd, ANU
When: 10.30 am Thursday, 6 September, 2001

For more information contact: Anna Damiano 02 6125 0794 (w)
or Clarissa Thorpe, ANU Media Manager 02 6125 5575 or 0416 249 245

© 2000 Marketing & Communications Division,
The Australian National University.
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Last Modified Tue, July 16, 2002