The Read to Me book gifting program continues to support children in care, to improve their reading and language skills. Each child from birth to 6 years automatically receives free books and resources, to create a library that they can keep and enjoy for years to come. The next round of library books are being delivered in December 2020 just in time for Christmas
Read to me program
Raising Literacy Australia believes that all children in our community deserve universal access to quality books no matter what their individual situation in life may be.
The Read to Me book gifting program continues to support children in care, to improve their reading and language skills and is a vital source of information and resources for carers across South Australia. The program recognises that children in care may often have limited access to quality age appropriate books and continues to encourage positive adult–child interactions to support healthy brain development.
Each child from birth to 6 years automatically receive free books and resources, creating a library that they can keep and enjoy for many years to come. Home library packs are sent every 3 months in March, June, September, and December. The books are specially selected based on each child’s age.
In the past year 16,000 books have been sent to directly to these children in care providing them with the opportunity to develop their growing literacy skills and improve their chances of lifelong learning.
The feedback from carers about the program a reminder to us all about why these programs are so important for vulnerable children in our community:
“We are short term carers. We are very grateful for the books and the labels. The children come with no possessions and the books are often their first nice possession with their name on and they are treasured. They often have not had a story read to them so by the time your books arrive they know what enjoyment they can receive, they proudly take all their books with them to their forever homes or back to their own home.”
“… I just wanted to express my gratitude for the wonderful books we receive from this amazing organisation. There is nothing better than going to the letterbox and finding a parcel addressed to my Grandson and then to find a book by his favourite author Mo Willems in the pack. He was delighted to say the least. It's a little bit of sunshine in these turbulent times. Thanking you all again….”
Read to me program Origin Energy volunteers packing free books for young children in care.