Aussie actors launch free literacy program for schools

Some of Australia’s famous faces are volunteering their time to read to children across the country. The Equity Foundation has launched a free program in schools called Storyville that harnesses the talent of performers to read to children in low-SES and CALD schools to help spark a curiosity and love of literature to last a lifetime

Storyville pairs talented actors with schools and volunteers currently read to almost 2000 children across the country every week. The project has ambitions to grow by reaching more schools and by forging relationships with organisations that have shared literacy interests within the community.

“Storyville is important because it involves young children in imagination, listening and relating the stories to their lives and forming opinions about what’s happening around them.”
Benita Collings, actor, Play School

I would recommend this program to anyone. It is good for students to experience other things, to learn to be a good listening audience and to participate. They feel valued when others take the time to come and be with them, and they value that time. For some students this can be very important.”
– Martine Eve-Macleod, teacher, Darlington Public School, NSW

“Our students enjoy the time to sit and listen to funny/interesting stories. They know that they won't have to fill out comprehension sheets and do not feel quizzed or that it is official 'learning' time. It is beneficial for them to have listening time without their teachers involved.”
– Molly Moore, teacher, Alexandria Park Community School, NSW

“Storyville has been one of the highlights of my 2016. Simply fabulous. As an actor, it is the perfect way to give something back.”
– John Molyneaux, actor

email [email protected]  or visit http://www.equityfoundation.org.au/equity-professional-program/storyville/