Prime Minister reads Quaky Cat to Otara kids

Prime Minister John Key will trade his office at the Beehive for a seat in front of hundreds of kids when he attends the Otara Literacy Day tomorrow, April 9.

The Prime Minister will sit down to read the book ‘Quaky Cat’ to the kids in attendance. The book, published by Scholastic and written by Diana Noonan and Gavin Bishop, tells the story of pets that were displaced in the wake of the September earthquake in Christchurch. Proceeds from the sale of the book are going towards the ongoing earthquake relief effort.

The bi-annual literacy day, hosted this year by Tangaroa College, brings together schools and families from around Otara with the aim of inspiring all members of the community to realise that literacy is a key driver of success. The theme for this year’s event is “Building Learning Families”.

Running since 2005, the event is coordinated by the Otara Boards’ Forum Inc., a non-profit organisation with an educational focus. Its vision is “Building Education in Otara” and it currently works with the majority of Otara schools.

The Prime Minister is not the only important guest to join the celebrations. MPs Dr Pita Sharples and Ross Robertson will also be present along with event supporters.
Representatives from community agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Counties Manukau District Health Board, Otara Health, Otara Libraries and the Manukau Truancy Service will all have a presence at the event.

The day is being supported by Scholastic New Zealand, Mainfreight, Four Winds Foundation, Te Puni Kokiri, Lion Foundation and Office Max. Scholastic will provide a mountain of books to give away to children at the end of the event.

Literacy charity, Duffy Books in Homes, is also playing a major part. They will run a quiz entitled ‘It’s in the Book’, in which children will get the chance to win prizes. The charity is also sponsoring the ‘Duffy Showcase of Otara Schools’ and will provide each participating school with a prize pack for their library.

General Manager of Duffy Books in Homes, Linda Vagana says, “We are proud to support and encourage communities, parents, families and whanau to involve themselves in their child’s reading – Otara Literacy Day does exactly this”.