Helping kids through time of crisis

In the Top End, a women and children’s crisis centre received books from our Book Supply Program for the first time last year.

Dawn House in Darwin, which has been running since the early 1970s, offers accommodation to families who have been forced to flee their homes and communities as a result of domestic violence. Often this entails disruptions to schooling and leaving all belongings behind, including toys and books.

“The books are a welcome gift for our clients and also assist the Children’s Support Workers to build rapport with clients,” says Jenna Taylor, who works at the centre.

When Jenna first heard about ILF through a social worker, she could envisage its potential for her young clients, who come from all over the NT, and soon placed an order for books. There are now bookshelves in the office and when the families come in each child is able to choose two books to take with them and keep.

“For children who have had limited access to books in remote communities, it is great to be able to gift them books of their very own … They love it … The books are really appreciated.”

Books by Indigenous authors are especially valued. One mother was very excited to see Nyuntu Ninti (what you should know) on a shelf at Dawn House. Written by Bob Randall, an Anangu man from Uluru, it was one of her kids’ favourites.

“The ILF Book Supply program is so amazing. For a lot of kids it’s the first books they’ve ever owned."

• Posted 26 December, 2018