Program gives kids a head start

A GROUP of passionate residents are improving literacy skills among young children in the region with the help of an American country music star.

Andrew Coldwell is coordinator of the Bendigo branch of the Imagination Library, an initiative started by Tennessee singer-songwriter Dolly Parton to get more picture books in the hands of kids before they start school.

The local branch is one of 11 in Victoria, distributing books to children up to five years of age and prioritising families most in need.

“I’ve got a database where my job is to register the kids on the program so that they can get books delivered to their home. They get a book every month in the post for free,” Mr Coldwell said.

“Even though a lot of these families might be literate themselves, getting the books in their homes, research has shown that is absolutely critical to giving these kids a start before they get to school.

“Ideally, Dolly Parton would like in Bendigo for every kid to be getting the books, but we can’t fund that so what we try to do is target the kids who are in need.”

A majority of referrals to join the initiative come from enhanced maternal child health nurses who work with families in their homes, as well as Baptcare, Anglicare and the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative.

More than 600 children have been enrolled into the program since it started in 2013, with more than 250 currently receiving a monthly book.

The books are packaged and distributed by not-for-profit United Way, costing the group just over $2300 each month.

To boost their reach and cover program costs, the group will hold a fundraising golf day on Friday, 8 April at Belvoir Park Golf Club.

“Our first goal would be to raise money, so it takes the pressure off. In the past, we’ve relied on organisations and individuals making donations… and it’s usually the same organisations,” Mr Coldwell said.

“The other aspect is to raise awareness because we believe if it’s out there a bit more, hopefully people will understand how it’s working in Bendigo and what we’re trying to achieve.”

Prizes for the Ambrose event have been donated by local businesses, and organisations can sponsor a hole for $500. Registrations for teams of four are also open for $140.

To register, visit bit.ly/364emeZ.