How to assist homeless youth and needy children in our society is an ongoing debate. Recent worldwide research in the areas of health, developmental psychology, neuroscience, education and criminology has identified that the first few years of a child’s development are vital to building a solid foundation for their lifelong learning capabilities, along with their physical and inner wellbeing.1
One of the simplest initiatives that can increase a child’s chances of success in life is reading aloud to them on a regular basis. Noted award winning Australian children’s author and literacy educationalist Mem Fox AM recommends reading a thousand books to a child before they turn five. Reading aloud assists in developing a child’s ability to concentrate at length, to solve problems logically, and to express themselves. It also makes a child feel loved, sparks their imagination and inspires their love of learning.
The Pyjama Foundation is a Brisbane based not-for-profit organisation committed to giving children in foster care the same opportunities in life as other children. Through its volunteer ‘angels’ The Pyjama Foundation delivers read aloud programs to children in foster care to improve their literacy, listening and learning skills. Reading angel mentors want more than to meet the basic needs of the foster child – they want to expand their horizons so that their personality, talents, mental and physical abilities are developed to their fullest potential. They do this by also offering positive role modeling, respecting the child’s dignity and valuing each child’s individual worth.
Carers provide safe and supportive environments for these vulnerable children and young people - some for one or two nights, a few months or even years. Many of these children also have other complex needs that require extra time and effort from their caring family. This means that the time to read is often just not there and foster carers greatly appreciate the support The Pyjama Foundation angels provide.
“Pyjama Angels bring little gifts for the children, which make them feel special. They sit and look at their book or car magazine for hours at a time. The girls are lovely to talk to and…this support is great for me. I think this is a wonderful program”.
“I rate the program 9.5 out of 10.”
“This program’s strengths assists boys to benefit socially and… interact with people outside the home. It is hard for these children to interact and trust people”.
The Pyjama Foundation needs new faces to assist expand their services, both state wide and nationally. Statistics provided by Australian State Governments estimate that there are now over 26,000 children in care nationally, so the need to assist them is urgent. There are a variety of ways to contribute.
You can:
- Join their mentor-training program and start reading to a foster child near you.
- Train volunteers to read aloud in your region. If you are a teacher and would like an opportunity to help these children on a part time basis, The Pyjama Foundation would be pleased to hear from you.
- Support The Pyjama Foundation by becoming a private or corporate sponsor.
The Pyjama Foundation is looking for new faces - will yours be one of them?
Visit www.thepyjamafoundation.com
Phone: 07 32625569
Email info@thepyjamafoundation.com
1. Source: McCain and Mustard 1999; Gauntlett, Hugman, Kenyon and Logan 2000.