Access to books and other reading material is a critical part of childhood development - but not all kids have that privilege, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
That’s why, in the lead up to Book Week (20 to 26 August) and International Literacy Day (8 September), Greater Bank employees were asked for their help to support Greater Charitable Foundation partner, the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), and its Share-A-Book program.
The response was overwhelming with more than 200 brand new children's books donated that will now be distributed by ANLF to children in some of Australia's most marginalised communities across the country.
Greater Charitable Foundation CEO Anne Long said access to books is a critical part of childhood development.
“Reading is the basis for all learning, but some children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, don’t have access to books and other reading materials,” Anne said.
“That makes supporting the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation and its Share-A-Book program so vital.
“The books Greater Bank employees have donated will go to children in marginalised areas who are almost twice as likely as other kids to be developmentally vulnerable in the domain of language when they start school.
“This has a serious impact on their future because they’re starting from behind and it’s very difficult for them to catch up.
“This can then lead to disengagement from education, which can further entrench intergenerational disadvantage.
“I’d like to thank all the Greater Bank employees who donated books to this great cause and acknowledge the terrific work Greater Charitable Foundation partner, the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, does through the Share-A-Book program and the other activities it conducts to help improve the educational outcomes for children around Australia.”
Anne Long, Greater Charitable Foundation CEO
Click here to find out more about our partnership with ALNF.