EVERY child should own a book, something an Armadale school is looking to guarantee with a new donation drive.
After hearing statistics that only a third of school children had more than 12 books in their home library, Challis Community Primary School’s Fiona Warwick said they wanted to do something to ensure that wasn’t the case among their own students.
In last year’s inaugural book drive Challis aimed to collect enough for each student to take one home to keep, but Ms Warwick said it had been so successful that as well as each of the more than 650 primary students receiving one, they were also able to give books to their kindergarten, pre-kindy and playgroup students.
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READ NOW“The children were heard asking if they really got to keep the books forever, they were so excited,” she said.
“The book drive was so successful we want it to be an annual event coinciding with Book Week.
“Studies show that children reading for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading activities, but also develop a broader vocabulary, increased knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.
“It boosts their imagination and shows them that nothing is impossible and they can reach for the stars.”
Ms Warwick said the aim of this year’s drive was to collect 2000 books to allow each child to go home with two.
Challis Community Primary School is accepting donations of good-quality used or new children’s books for children aged between three and 12 or money donations to allow them to purchase new books.
Donations can be left at the school’s front office at 40 Braemore Street, Armadale during school hours until August 24.