Executive Director Karen Williams is delighted to announce seven schools across Australia have each won an ambassador visit in 2013.
"Together with libraries and academic institutions, schools have helped raise over $100,000 year to-date", said Williams who estimated that over 30,000 books were read and swapped as part of the Great Book Swap Challenge held on Indigenous Literacy Day and throughout the school year.
Funds raised will help purchase and deliver over 10,000 new and culturally appropriate books to communities in 2013. In addition, the Foundation aims to make its early literacy Buzz packs, with favourite board book titles by popular authors like Browyn Bancroft and Eric Carle, readily available for playgroups, creches and preschools in remote locations.
"Our early literacy packs are being adopted by health clinics, nurses and organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor service and given out to mothers and families. It's hard to comprehend but many of these families have little to no books in their homes".
Williams said that many principals, librarians and teachers had commented on how much their students had enjoyed researching, learning and raising funds for literacy. In addition, many had commented on how much fun the kids had during their events which not only included book swaps but dressing up as favourite book characters, holding BBQs and other activities.
"All schools who participated this year will shortly receive a Certificate of Appreciation with our deepest thanks for all the hard work and wonderful achievements", said Karen.
WINNING SCHOOLS include: