The Pyjama Foundation, Albion
Pyjama Angels share joy of reading with foster children to improve literacy
More than 200 volunteers willing to share the joy of reading and learning are
changing the lives of foster children in Brisbane through The Pyjama Foundation,
started 18 months ago as an early-intervention literacy program.
The Foundation’s commitment to improving literacy and self esteem among foster children through its volunteer network has earned the organisation a state award in the 2006 NAB Volunteer Awards, in the Education and Youth Development category.
“We’re thrilled about winning this Award,” Foundation Director Bronwyn Sheehan said. Mrs Sheehan said her vision for the organisation was to benefit the 22,500 children in foster care throughout Australia, including 6000 in Queensland, by helping to dramatically lift their literacy skills from current levels of 92 per cent below average.
The Pyjama Foundation volunteers, known as Pyjama Angels and ranging in age from 18 to 76, have read 10,000 books to 150 children aged from 22 months to 15 years in the past six months. Mrs Sheehan said they tried to match the volunteer in age and personality with the kind of person the foster child most needed.
Before starting as Pyjama Angels, volunteers undertake induction training on story telling, working with foster families and the organisation’s code of conduct. Specialised training from physiotherapists, speech pathologists and foster carers is also provided for existing volunteers to boost their skills and enhance their interaction with the children.
Volunteer and foster child have weekly sessions in the child’s foster home reading as many books and playing learning-based games. “The nurturing one-on-one time also helps foster families, giving them ideas about material to read and how to engage the child in building literacy. The ultimate goal is that foster children have the same home support as their classmates,” Ms Sheehan said.
The Queensland Department of Child Safety and foster carers recommend children in need to The Pyjama Foundation. Mrs Sheehan said the $7,000 in prize money would go towards training more Pyjama Angels.
