Kindergarten Kids Benefit from Fairfax First Books

Media Statement From New Zealand Kindergartens Incorporated

7 June 2006

Kindergarten Kids to Benefit from Fairfax First Books

New Zealand Kindergartens is proud to be in partnership with Fairfax Media in today launching a new literacy initiative that will get books into the hands of thousands of New Zealand pre-schoolers.

Fairfax First Books will see every child who attends a low decile kindergarten receive a new storybook of their very own each term – four books per year.

Quality early childhood education is a key tool to reduce disparities across communities in New Zealand. Research shows it increases a child's chance of educational achievement later in life.

New Zealand Kindergartens know it is important that the foundations for learning are established early and that children learn that education is fun. Fairfax Media are to be congratulated on this exciting initiative that will have a positive impact on children’s early learning.

Karen Boyes President of NZ Kindergartens says, “Focusing on early literacy can make such a difference with our young New Zealanders. Reading books, sharing rhymes and story telling with young children all develop a love of words and language, which gives them the skills needed to learn to read.”

“This programme creates more exciting opportunities for kindergartens to work with families in low decile areas ensuring that early literacy skills are developed in young New Zealanders,” she said.

4,500 young New Zealand children attending kindergartens throughout New Zealand will qualify to receive the books.

New Zealand Kindergartens was introduced to Fairfax Media by the Robin Hood Foundation.

ENDS

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