Here is another waste of money! Kids have access to books-it's called the public library!
Augusta children soon will have more books for story time thanks to the efforts of a recently formed literacy organization.
On Wednesday, the Greater Augusta Partnership for Literacy, which was founded in August, will celebrate a new program that enrolls children in a free book program. Children from birth to age 5 can receive a free monthly book through the group's partnership with the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, based in Madison, Ga.
"To really change a community you have to begin educating children," said Ernie Sizemore, the chairman of the Augusta partnership. "This program will help kids get on track."
The program is initially targeting 2- and 3-year-old children, he said.
"We want to get them early enough to make a difference and make sure they haven't slipped through the cracks," Sizemore said. "We'd like to eventually get them at birth. The challenge at this point is fundraising."
It takes $36 a year per child to fund the program, according to the Ferst Foundation.
Studies show that children who are exposed to literature at a young age are more likely to perform well in school and graduate from high school at higher rates.
Wednesday's event, which is at 10 a.m. at the Family Y on Wheeler Road, will serve as the program's launch and celebrate the first 100 children enrolled.
Mayor Deke Copenhaver will be among officials at the ceremony and will read The Little Engine That Could to the youngsters.
The Greater Augusta Partnership for Literacy will serve children in Richmond and Columbia counties and Fort Gordon. The idea surfaced as an initiative by Augusta's three Rotary Clubs.
The Ferst Foundation partners with similar community groups across Georgia to provide kids with free books.
Reach Erin Zureick at (706) 823-3217 or erin.zureick@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Family Y, 3570 Wheeler Road
Comments
Here is another waste of money! Kids have access to books-it's called the public library!
A book for a child to be read to from repeatedly, to hold and call their own, and for them to make first steps in reading is NEVER a waste. Two and three year olds may go to the library once or twice a week, but often do not go until they are four or five at least. This project is a worthy attempt to build up our future from the beginning. It will also encourage parents to read to their children and take an interest in their education.
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