About Us

Our mission

Reading

To promote language skills and literacy for children, beginning at birth, and to support parents as their child's first teachers.​

ROOP is a registered charitable not-for-profit organisation with only 3% of our income from Government. We are grateful for the generosity of individuals, philanthropic trusts and corporations to fund our work.
We were founded in 2011 by Andrew Kay, Victorian of the Year in 1998.
In 2021, ROOP expanded its national focus to include the remote communities in North Queensland, ACT, and New South Wales.

  • Books
  • Parents Support
  • Pop-Up Libraries
  • Bilingual Books
  • Read Aloud Sessions
Books and Reading Program
Books and Reading Program

NURTURING YOUNG MINDS, ONE BOOK AT A TIME

Our Team

Andrew Kay ROOP
Andrew Kay
CEO/Founder
Lorena Canon 700x700 1
Lorena Canon

Multimedia Sp. & Program Manager

Daniel Moreno
Daniel Moreno
Program Manager Geelong
Georgia Allan ROOP
Georgia Allan
Grant Writer
Carlos Vallejo ROOP
Carlos Vallejo
IT Business Analyst

Committee of Management

Our Patron

Linda Dessau
  Her Excellency the Honourable AO Governor of Victoria

Friends and Supporters

Thank You to Our Trusts, Foundations, Government, and Corporate Supporters:

Bendigo Bank Community Foundation, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Melbourne Community grants,  Edward Wilson Estate, Mary MacKillop Today Community Grants,  Norman Mavis and Graeme Waters Charitable Trust,  Perpetual Trustees, Equity Trustees, Schiavello Charitable Foundation,  The Andrews Foundation,  The Estate of the Late GWA Griffith, The Hazel Peat Charitable Trust,  The Pierce Armstrong Foundation, The Samuel Nissen Foundation, MCV Court Fund,  Transuburan Community Fund,  Victorian Multicultural Commission,  Viva Energy,  Zdraveski Charitable Fund, ISPT Super Property, The Mazda Foundation, Leith Charitable Trust, Readings Foundation, Ethical Jobs Foundation, Dyson Community Foundation, Booktopia, Australian Communities Foundation, Telematics Trust, Ansvar Insurance.

Awesome Foundation, Bank of Melbourne Neighbourhood Fund, Besen Family Foundation, Collier Charitable Fund, Foundation of Graduates in Early Childhood Studies, Harold Mitchell Foundation, Inger Rice Foundation, Minter Ellison, Nourish Foods, Peter William Trust Fund, Reading Foundation, Ren Barlow, The Calvert-Jones Foundation, The City of Casey, The Geoff and Helen Handbury Foundation, The Marin Flack Trust, The Rali Foundation & Victorian Women’s Trust, Westpac Community Foundation.
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A Special Tanks to Our Many Amazing Partners Across Victoria:

1000 Tales, Australian Catholic University, Awesome Foundation, Back to Basics Playgroup Leongatha, Ballarat central playgroup, Bass Coast Health Wonthaggi, Bayside City Council, Belle Uve Primary School, Best Start, Bethany Community Support, Blue Autumn Copy, Broadmeadows Community Hub, Brother of St Laurence Frankston, Chandler Park Playgroup, City of Greater Dandenong Playgroups, Cloverdale Community Centre, Community Hubs Australia, Craigieburn Community Hub, Dallas Community Hub, Damo Music for Kids, Dandenong Community Hub, Dandenong Hospital (Paediatric, Maternity & Emergency Wards), Dandenong Library, Dandenong South Kindergarten, Eleanor Curtain Publishing, Elizabeth Wilmot Playgroup Morwell, Geelong Cats, Geelong Mum’s Playgroup, Greater Dandenong Family Day Care, Healthwise Gippsland Speech Pathology Traralgon, Karmai Community Children’s Centre, Lake Press Pty Ltd, Latrobe Health Assembly Morwell, Latrobe Valley City Council Morwell, Live Literate by E.S. Karl, Maternal & Child Health Dandenong, Meadows Primary School, Milpara Community House, Moe Supported Playgroup, Monash Health, Mornington Library, Morwell Primary School Supported Playgroup, Mount Ridley College, Multiples Playgroup Traralgon, Newborough- Yallourn Playgroup, Old Gippstown Moe, Olinda’s Place Warragul, Play 2 Learn Playgroup Moe, Play & Learn Playgroup Korumburra, Possum Playgroup at Dandenong Library, Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise, Sara Court Playgroup Traralgon, Save the Children Moe, Seed to Sprout, Sing and Play – Playgroup Moe, Smalltalk supported playgroups, South Gippsland Shire Council, South Street Primary School Playgroup Moe, Sparrow Early Learning Drouin, Springvale Rise Primary School, Springvale Service for Children Playgroup, St Anthony’s Primary School, St Hilary’s Intergenerational Playgroup Morwell, St Michael and St Luke’s Playgroup, Supported Playgroup Traralgon, The Laundry Lounge Morwell, The Little Yellow Dance Spot, The Salvation Army, The Smith Family Hub, Traralgon East Support Playgroup, Traralgon South Bush Playgroup (Friday Afternoon), Traralgon South Bush Playgroup (Friday Morning), Traralgon West Playgroup, Two Birds One Scone, Tyers Playgroup, VicSeg Braybrook, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, We Care Playgroup, West Footscray Library, Woodleigh School, Woorabinda Farm Playgroup, Yarraman Oaks Primary School Playgroup.

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The Power of Giving: Donations, Gift Cards, and More

ROOP WLF Pop-up libraries are innovative and community-oriented initiatives that bring the joy of reading to unconventional locations, providing access to books and literature where traditional libraries might not be available. These temporary libraries are designed to cater to diverse audiences, from urban neighborhoods and public spaces to special events and festivals. Pop-up libraries promote literacy, foster a sense of community, and encourage people to discover the pleasure of reading in unexpected places, creating a world where knowledge is accessible to all.

In a world where generosity can make a significant impact, the act of giving has taken on various forms, from traditional donations to the convenience of gift cards. This blog post delves into the diverse realm of donations and the flexibility and impact of gift cards, all with the common goal of making a difference.

Kahoot is an interactive, educational platform that offers engaging quizzes and learning games for students and learners of all ages. To access these interactive activities and participate in Kahoot challenges, users need to sign in to their Kahoot accounts or log in using their credentials. The platform's user-friendly interface and wide variety of content make it a popular choice for educators and students. Additionally, "Literacy Planets" and "Literacy Shed" are other resources for literacy and learning, offering further opportunities for educational enrichment and engagement.

The Power of Learning: How I Discovered the Potential of Learning Management Software

Learning has never been more accessible and versatile than it is today. With the advent of advanced tools, online resources, and the ability to learn from the comfort of your home, the world of education is undergoing a remarkable transformation. In this blog post, I want to share my own journey of discovery, particularly in the realm of learning management software, home learning, and teaching kids to read, offering insight into the wealth of opportunities available for learners of all ages.

Learning management software has redefined the way we acquire knowledge. From industry-specific training to academic courses, it's a powerful tool for both organizations and individuals. Learning at home has become more achievable, thanks to the user-friendly interfaces of platforms like LinkedIn Learning. With a vast library of courses, it offers an opportunity to upskill and pursue your interests.

The Adventure of Learning to Read: For young readers, learning to read is a significant milestone. A range of "learn to read books" is now available to make this journey engaging and fun. From learning ABCs to building comprehension skills, these resources lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of literacy. One popular option is "Teach Your Monster to Read," an educational game that combines fun and learning seamlessly.

Engaging Learning Games: Learning doesn't have to be all about textbooks and lectures. Learning games offer a refreshing approach, making education enjoyable. Learning games for kids, particularly those available online for free, are a fantastic way to nurture a love for learning from a young age. "Learning Eggs" and other interactive platforms offer a diverse selection of games designed to make learning a thrilling adventure.

For a Learning Assessment: Understanding your progress and identifying areas for improvement is crucial. "For learning assessment," there are assessment tools and learning management solutions that provide insights into your educational journey. These tools are widely used in both academic and professional settings to measure and improve one's knowledge and skills.

Home Learning: The New Norm: Recent times have highlighted the importance of home learning. As traditional classrooms shifted online, the concept of home learning has gained prominence. Whether it's through a learning content management system or a dedicated home learning curriculum, the flexibility of home learning has reshaped education.

My journey of exploring the vast world of learning management software, online learning platforms, and engaging learning resources has been an eye-opening experience. In a world where learning knows no bounds, these tools and resources serve as gateways to knowledge and personal growth. Whether you're embarking on the adventure of teaching your child to read or seeking to upskill for your career, the power of learning is at your fingertips, waiting to be harnessed. Embrace the journey of discovery and keep exploring the ever-expanding landscape of education.

Teachers are the unsung heroes of our society, the guiding lights who shape the future of our world through education. In this post, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of educators and explore platforms such as "Teacher Starter," "Top Teacher," and the ethos of "Teachers Teach Teachers" and "Teachers for Teachers." These platforms not only empower educators but also underline the collaborative spirit of the teaching community.

The Role of a Teacher: A teacher's role extends far beyond the classroom. They are mentors, facilitators, and influencers. With unwavering dedication, teachers ignite the flames of curiosity in their students, helping them become lifelong learners.

Teacher Starter: Empowering Educators: "Teacher Starter" is a resource hub that equips teachers with innovative teaching materials, lesson plans, and tools. It empowers educators to engage and inspire students effectively. By providing access to a wealth of resources, "Teacher Starter" eases the daily challenges teachers face, allowing them to focus on what they do best - teaching.

Top Teacher: Recognizing Excellence: "Top Teacher" acknowledges and celebrates exceptional educators who go above and beyond in their teaching journey. It's a platform that shares their stories and insights, offering inspiration and guidance to fellow teachers. By highlighting excellence in teaching, "Top Teacher" fosters a sense of community and collaboration among educators.

Teachers Teach Teachers: Fostering a Culture of Learning: The phrase "Teachers Teach Teachers" embodies the spirit of professional development within the teaching community. It signifies a culture of collaboration and learning, where experienced educators share their knowledge and mentor their colleagues, ultimately benefiting students through enhanced teaching practices.

Teachers for Teachers: A Supportive Network: "Teachers for Teachers" amplifies the support network among educators. It's a platform where teachers can share their challenges, find solutions, and provide encouragement to one another. This collaborative approach helps teachers navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education.

Teachers are instrumental in shaping the future by nurturing young minds, fostering critical thinking, and imparting knowledge. They are the beacons of hope, guiding students towards success. Platforms like "Teacher Starter," "Top Teacher," "Teachers Teach Teachers," and "Teachers for Teachers" all play vital roles in supporting and celebrating the teaching community.

As we reflect on the pivotal role teachers play in our lives, let us remember to express our gratitude and appreciation for their dedication and the positive impact they have on generations to come.

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, Australia, is a city brimming with culture, creativity, and a myriad of experiences waiting to be discovered. In this post, we'll explore some of the most exciting "things to see and do in Melbourne," from cultural gems to family-friendly activities.

Melbourne Museum: Dive into the rich tapestry of Victoria's history and culture. Explore captivating exhibits, from indigenous art to the natural world's wonders.

National Gallery of Victoria: Marvel at an extensive collection of art, including both classic and contemporary works. The NGV is renowned for its world-class exhibitions.

Queen Victoria Market: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this iconic market. Sample diverse cuisines, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the local culture.

Yarra River: Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Yarra River. You can also opt for a scenic cruise that offers a unique perspective of the city.

Flinders Street Station: A Melbourne landmark, this historic train station is an architectural gem. It's the perfect meeting point for exploring the city.

Melbourne's Laneways: Wander through the famous laneways like Hosier Lane, where street art transforms brick walls into vibrant canvases.

Melbourne Zoo: A delightful experience for all ages, the Melbourne Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and offers educational programs.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: Dive into an underwater world and come face to face with marine creatures from around the globe.

Scienceworks: An interactive science museum that's both entertaining and educational, making it perfect for kids of all ages.

Royal Botanic Gardens: Escape the city's hustle and bustle in this serene oasis. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy a picnic.

St. Kilda Beach: A favorite among locals, this beach is ideal for relaxing, water sports, or enjoying the lively atmosphere of the adjacent Esplanade.

The Great Ocean Road: Venture outside Melbourne to explore one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, featuring stunning cliffs and the famous Twelve Apostles.

Melbourne Cricket Ground: Catch a cricket match or Australian rules football game at this iconic sports venue.

Melbourne's Arts and Theatre Scene: Check "Melbourne what's on" to find a plethora of live performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.

Melbourne's unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and entertainment opportunities makes it a city that never ceases to amaze. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always something new to explore, experience, and enjoy in this dynamic city. Melbourne's vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions promise an unforgettable journey of discovery.