Literacy transforms lives!
Many of us take it for granted that our kids will grow up learning to read and write, yet for many children throughout Australia, this is not the case. Every child deserves to thrive, and be supported in developing a love for books, stories, sparking joy, imagination, and curiosity for the world around them.
Literacy is a fundamental human right and every child deserves the chance to develop literacy skills so they can transform their lives.
What happens if children can’t access literacy?
Almost one-quarter of young children living in Australia (approximately 68,000 children each year) are not adequately supported by our education system.
This is a real problem because lack of education and early literacy can lead to harmful effects in children throughout their lives including:
- Psychological damage like low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence
- Poor health
- Fewer job opportunities due to basic skill shortages
- Low income which can create a poverty cycle
- Increased likelihood of criminal activity
- Inequalities in society
How is ROOP helping?
We recognise and address inequalities that exist, by working closely with Victorian children from migrant and refugee families, indigenous children, those from rural areas and low socio-economic backgrounds. We know many of these children struggle to maintain the same literacy levels as their more advantaged peers and are at risk of falling behind in early literacy. Our programs help reduce these challenges so all kids can flourish and transform their lives.
Literacy is the answer
The benefits of early literacy are countless, resulting in positive economic, social, physical and psychological outcomes. These include improved self-esteem, enhanced emotional intelligence, empathy, better social skills, and strengthened child-parent bonds. They are more likely to have better health outcomes, job opportunities and a higher income which can break poverty cycles. Early literacy helps children become happy, healthy and empowered.
Every child deserves the right to flourish on their developmental journey through learning and education. Access to literacy helps children, families, communities, and society as a whole by creating a more equal and inclusive world where all children can reach their full potential.