Delivering books to our local schools
A firm belief that literacy is the foundation for learning has seen Glencore’s Queensland Metals continue its partnership with Books in Homes Australia to deliver 13,700 books each year to school students in north-west Queensland.
Books in Homes Australia supports reading and learning by providing books to early years through to primary school aged children for their home libraries. The program encourages educational development in reading and writing during the crucial early years of primary school.
Since 2007, the partnership has delivered more than 190,000 books and currently involves eight schools across Mount Isa and Cloncurry, as well as Camooweal and Dajarra.
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Sunset State School students receiving their book packs.
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Rebecca Roper, Mine Manager George Fisher Mine reading to Sunset State School students in Mount Isa.
Every student chooses nine books a year to take home to build their own home libraries, increasing their exposure to quality reading material, with the intention of fostering a love of reading.
Queensland Metals staff have been attending school assemblies during March to hand out books at assemblies.
Most significantly, the schools’ teachers have reported improvements in learning outcomes and school attendance because of the program.
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Children choose nine books each to take home and build their home libraries.
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Cloncurry State School Students with their selected books.
CEO of Books in Homes Australia, Peter Large, says Glencore’s long-term association with Books in Homes provides a valuable contribution to the eight schools.
“Glencore's partnership with Books in Homes delivers the gift of reading to almost 4,000 children in their Mount Isa region and surrounds three times per year, helping those children discover reading for fun and develop a better understanding and purpose in their education and learning,” says Peter.
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Dajarra State School students with their books presented by Glencore.
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Dajarra State School students enjoying their books.
“Having seen first hand the joy our books bring to the children, Glencore can be proud of their investment in the future of their communities.”
“We and the people of their communities thank Glencore for their commitment and dedication to helping improve the lives of many thousands of children over the past 16 years and look forward to sharing the benefits that come with that well into the future."
Glencore has committed over $1.6 million to the Books in Homes Australia program, and by the end of 2023, will have provided over 205,000 books to children who otherwise might not have had access to them.