Reading is the name of the game, following the launch of the Books in Homes program yesterday – a partnership between MMG and Normanton State School.
Former Queensland State of Origin and Australian representative footballer Carl Webb, who now works as a Mentor to Century’s Indigenous trainees and apprentices, launched the program at a special event at the school.
The pilot program will see all 185 students receive nine books between now and the end of Term 2 2014. To encourage participation, each student will be able to choose their books, from a selection of 48 titles ranging from picture books through to novels.
About 25% of the books distributed as part of the Books in Homes program are written by Aboriginal people. Normanton State School will also receive an additional 144 books for their library.
Mr Webb, who has worked at MMG since late 2011 said he was honoured to be asked to launch the program.
“As a father of young children, I understand the importance of encouraging kids to read.
“It was great to see how excited the students were when they received their books yesterday. They were showing each other what books they had received, and appeared to be setting up to share with their friends, brothers and sisters.”
Students will be encouraged to practice and talk about reading through classroom activities scheduled during the term. 10 prizes will be awarded each term, with every student also receiving a Books in Homes Achievement Certificate.
MMG General Manager, Queensland Operations March said that the company would seek feedback about the pilot program to determine whether it could be extended to other Lower Gulf schools.
“We’ll be keeping in close touch with the school to see how the program progresses, with the view of determining next steps in the new year.”
Other community initiatives supported by MMG during 2013 include the Doomadgee School Exchange and various fundraising and facility improvements at Karumba State School.
MMG is also preparing to commence the second year of its Living Leadership Awards program, an initiative to recognise young leaders from Gulf schools.
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Carl Webb with Normanton State School students
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Jillian D’Urso
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