Linda Vagana Takes On New Role

Media Release Books in Homes 21 July 2004

Linda Vagana Takes On New Role As Books In Homes General Manager

After 61 tests with the Silver Ferns in a career that spanned more than 14 years, Linda Vagana has thrown away her netball shoes to take on a new challenge as General Manager of the Alan Duff Charitable Foundation Books in Homes.

After retiring from the Silver Ferns in 2002, Vagana played for her home country Samoa in the World Champs before she retired completely from the sport at the end of 2003. Until recently she was working at AUT as Marketing Co-ordinator while studying for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Social Sciences.

Although offered a number of more 'corporate' jobs, Vagana chose to join Books in Homes because "apart from it being a great cause, the philosophy of the program; getting books into the homes of children who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity, really appeals."

"I've been fortunate to experience the overflow of students involved in the programme who have gone onto high school. It's amazing that those students still speak with high regard of the programme and of the difference it has made in their lives."

The aim of the Alan Duff Charitable Foundation Books in Homes Programme is to create a more literate and employable society by 'breaking the cycle of booklessness' in New Zealand's lowest socio-economic areas. Decile 1, 2 and 3 schools are eligible to join Books in Homes and all children on the programme choose their own, brand new books to take home and keep.

The Books in Homes programme celebrates its 10th birthday this year and is now running in 441 schools throughout New Zealand, benefiting over 80,000 kiwi kids.

ENDS

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