Innovative reading programme family investment

Media Release
Friday 20 October 2006

EMBARGOED until 8am Sunday 22 October 2006

Innovative reading programme a great investment in families

News of the positive effects of a family literacy programme in which parents as well as children improve their reading has been welcomed by Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis.

The Manukau Family Literacy Programme, developed by COMET (City of Manukau Education Trust) with support from AUT, targets both parents and children to improve their literacy skills. It focuses on Maori and Pacific Island families. A report on the programme’s achievements has just been released.

The Price Waterhouse Coopers report, which confirms a beneficial effect in economic, education and social terms, is excellent news, says Sir Barry.

“Intergenerational family learning caters to a large number of people who would not normally be part of mainstream education.

“Different cultural groups respond to education differently, just as individuals within the groups do. Some learn best from doing, others best from theoretical means such as reading, while others from learning alongside their families where they feel most comfortable. COMET’s reading programme recognises that, and it’s one reason for the successful results.

“I have always believed we need to target parents as well as children in order to help ‘at risk’ families. COMET has proven that even hard-to-reach parents can be helped. The flow-on effects in the wider community, through higher incomes as well as greater literacy, will be tremendous and must be recognised and applauded.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media