Refugee families receive a literacy boost from new ‘Duck Library’

After we wrote about the Imagination Library set up by Dolly Parton, I learned that a Starts at 60 supporter, Dymocks, have a child literacy program known as the Duck Library.

One such program launched at Mamre House, Orchard Hills, helps refugee families increase their literacy skills by encouraging parents to read daily to their children.

Click here to visit the Duck Library website, or continue reading for more information on this very worthy cause.

The Library, which aims to share the magic of reading with children under five, is funded over two years and provides brand new, age appropriate books in a fully themed bookcase.

Dymocks Children’s Charities’ Duck Library program first launched in 2015 and is now a cornerstone of learning in 16 early childhood centres nationwide.

Mamre House’s Duck Library has been generously funded by the local community through a fundraising campaign led by Dymocks Penrith. It will be placed in the crèche which provides childcare for parents attending English language classes. Children at the Centre are encouraged to “borrow” the books from the Duck Library to read overnight with their parents or carers. The books will be used daily in the Centre’s literacy programs.

Paul Swain, Dymocks Children’s Charities General Manager said the program has long lasting benefits. “Kids aged two to five are often overlooked when it comes to reading programs but it’s a critical stage in their literacy development. Research shows that one in five Australian kids will start school ‘developmentally vulnerable’ in language and communication skills. DCC’s Duck Library program gives those kids a head start by instilling a love of books.”

Mr Swain said the importance of reading daily as a family can’t be underestimated. “Duck Library not only helps the under-fives it also encourages parents to develop daily reading practice and nurtures and builds strong relationships.  Studies show that reading to your child for just a few minutes each day makes a huge difference to their personal development.”

John Manouk, Director of Community Services, Mamre House said the program has many positive benefits, not least helping the children and their parents increase their literacy, develop imagination and foster good self-esteem. He provided compelling reasons for a Duck Library in their centre.

“We offer a range of services to local refugee families including English and Australian Citizenship classes. The Duck Library will be a valuable asset to our crèche, helping parents and children increase their English language skills. It offers quality new books which families wouldn’t otherwise have access to.”

 “Our aim is to give these families the best possible start. We know that if we support refugee children in the early years, they will thrive throughout school and into their adult lives.”

You can help give pre-schoolers in your community a literacy boost by donating to a Duck Library today. For more information, please click here. If you know an early learning centre which benefit from a Duck Library, they can register their interest by contacting [email protected]