Supporters of The
Pyjama Foundation
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Bryce Courtenay AM "We each have an enormous capacity to make a difference and The Pyjama Foundation is actually doing that; changing the world, 1 child at a time" A letter of support from Bryce Courtenay |
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Mem Fox Author and International literacy expert "I cannot applaud The Pyjama Foundation enough for this grand innovative idea and the sterling work they are undertaking to put that idea into practice. |
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Felice Arena Author and Illustrator "When you read a book out loud you are instantly bringing it to life. Words on pages are no longer static print. The characters suddenly have a clearer and more impressionable voice because you’re now telling the story. There is always a sense of theatre and fun when one reads a book aloud. And when kids (and adults) are having fun, they seem to learn more quickly, and what they learn seems to stick" Visit Felice's website at www.felicearena.com |
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Kate Forsyth Author "It is vitally important to read aloud to children. It is a very close, warm, loving time, when you and the child are at peace and sharing together new worlds of fun and adventure. It allows the child to hear new words, and different types of language than what is heard in everyday speech, and so develops the part of their brain that deals with language. It stimulates their imagination and helps them to visualise in their mind's eye things they have never seen before. It makes the child think and wonder and experience new things in a safe and secure environment, and encourages them to ask questions and open up dialogues with the adult. And it helps you develop a language of communication with the child, fed by the books that you are read together." Visit Kate's website at www.kateforsyth.com.au |
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Andy Griffiths Author and Comedy Writer “After meeting and speaking to The Pyjama Foundation founder and director, the ‘Big Cheese’ herself, Bronwyn Sheehan at a professional event recently, I was moved to contribute in some way to the Pyjamas’ plight.” |
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Nick Earls Author "I wouldn’t be a writer without Green Eggs & Ham, without Biggles, without the kick along my imagination got from taking in stories as a child. Reading to children sometimes creates writers, but it’s more important that it regularly creates readers, questioners, learners and thinkers. It’s part of creating adults who can imagine and who can solve problems, and who can confidently find their way in the world. Hours on a PlayStation will never do that. Being read to, and then reading, are an important part of our start in life, and something everyone is entitled to. Some kids risk missing out. That’s where the Pyjama Foundation comes in." Visit Nick's website at www.nickearls.com |
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James Horwill Queensland Reds Captain and Wallabies Lock “Reading aloud to kids is important to give them an equal playing field. The Pyjama Foundation does this through a literacy and mentoring program delivered by volunteer Pyjama Angels. This is a great organisation and cause and something I feel strongly about as you can see the results just from the kids’ happy faces.” |
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James Moloney Author "For the very young, there is the intimacy with parents that becomes linked to the experience of books and reading. For emerging readers, it gives kids the chance to be exposed to stories and language which are still too hard for them to read themselves The same applies for kids going into their upper primary years - but for these, especially boys, the real importance is that these stories (reading aloud experiences) might be the only books they have anything to do with." Visit James' website at www.jamesmoloney.com.au |
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Stephen Moore Australian Wallaby |
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Emily Williams Young Diva’s Star and 2005 Australian Idol Runner Up “Children not being given access to equal opportunities and education is an issue that is really important to me. The Pyjama Foundation is helping to address the issues for at risk kids and I was honoured to be invited to become a Reading Ambassador. It’s important to me that all kids are given the opportunity to shine and I also believe strongly in reading aloud to children from an early age and encouraging a love of books." |
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Rebecca Sparrow Author ‘When you can read, your world opens up. You can set sail on a pirate ship, visit a school for wizards or watch a group of plucky kids set up an advertising agency in their backyard -- all from the comfort of your bedroom. Board games become easier to play, homework becomes easier to do. When you are a confident reader, your overall confidence rises. Why do I love the Pyjama Foundation? Because those Pyjama Angels bring the gift of reading and adventure and confidence to foster kids. And every child deserves that.’ Visit Rebecca's website at www.rebeccasparrow.com |
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Robin Bailey Journalist Starting as a cadet journalist working her way into radio and then announcing, Robin Bailey is part of the team at Brisbane’s Feel Good Radio Station 97.3. Working with Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher on the Morning Show her bright, breezy delivery and her witty and erudite style endears her to her loyal and ever growing audience. Her favourite moment on air she says is every day when she has the honour of listening as others tell their stories. |
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Santa Claus "The Pyjama Foundation is helping to transform these children’s little lives; breaking their cycle of disadvantage. I am fortunate enough to see the children every year at The Pyjama Foundation annual Christmas parties to spoil them with presents. Their smiles are infectious and my whole year is highlighted by seeing the interaction between the children and their Pyjama Angel. What a wonderful and practical program." |
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