Kids enjoy inspiration from all walks of life

Almost 100,000 students in low-decile schools around New Zealand are looking forward to receiving two free books each during the next three weeks.  Just as exciting is the prospect of receiving their books from an inspirational role model during a special school assembly.

Duffy Books in Homes takes on the huge task of organising assemblies for all 541 schools participating in the programme.  Much like the Lucky Book Club, kids in ‘Duffy’ schools choose books from a catalogue at the start of term and then wait patiently for their book presentation assembly.  The big difference is that their books don’t cost them or their families a cent.

This term, role models visiting Duffy schools include singers Jackie Clarke and Shona Laing, netballer Linda Vagana, Newstalk ZB newsreader Niva Retimanu, authors Alistair McIntyre and Tony Williams and entertainer Adrian Kirk.  They are joined by dozens of other role models with sporting, musical, literary, media and entertainment backgrounds.

Their message to kids is simple – ‘It’s cool to read and cool to achieve.’  They make the connection between their careers and their love of reading and show children, some of whom have never owned a book in their lives, that reading provides a pathway to success.