Partnership provides support for child literacy programs in the Darling Downs

In 2022 and 2023, the FKG Group has been honoured to partner with The Lighthouse Toowoomba, an organisation dedicated to supporting the literacy of children in the Darling Downs through the facilitation of workshops, a One-Way Library, and other creative programs.

With studies showing that reading regularly with children stimulates patterns of brain development and strengthens relationships, it is easy to understand how this can in turn build language, literacy, and social-emotional skills – impacting many areas of a person’s life.

Making a particular impact, especially for the one in five children who do not have books at home, is the One-Way Library at The Lighthouse. 

Through the generosity of the community and local businesses, the library has been established with the sole purpose of getting books into the hands of as many children as possible and increasing reading rates. Since opening, the organisation has processed thousands of donated books, and found worthy homes for them – the majority with children whose family resources don’t extend far enough to create at-home libraries.

The Lighthouse’s Creative Director, Emma Mactaggart tells of some of the other wonderful programs that have been offered since the organisation opened its doors.

“We have a wide range of initiatives including the Twinkles Book Club, a reading club for young readers and their parents; writing workshops; holiday art programs; homework clubs; art therapy classes; and art exhibitions which we hold in our adjoining Write Gallery – with each initiative designed to foster creativity and literacy in our community,” Emma said.

“But a particularly special project, which has been made possible by the FKG Group’s partnership, has been our engagement with the Harlaxton State School, to facilitate a ‘Child Writes’ workshop series in term two this year.”

With a step-by-step process, tutors and passionate literacy advocates have been leading a small group of children through the entire process of creating a book – from conceiving the original idea, developing the story and using professional illustration tools; through to its professional publication and a book launch which is expected in late 2023.

As the book project continues to develop, the FKG Group looks forward to its launch, which will tell the wonderful story of Wiimali through the voices of children.

Information Sources:

• https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/education/early-learning
• https://www.thelighthousetoowoomba.org/
• https://www.emmamactaggart.com.au/child-writes