Once were bookless: Duff's legacy
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Some Marlborough school children are taking home new books this week thanks to a scheme which encourages reading.
Blenheim School, Mayfield School and Picton School pupils each received two books of their choice courtesy of the Government and Duffy Books in Homes programme.
Duffy Books in Homes was started by author Alan Duff after he realised failures in adult life often stemmed from childhoods spent in bookless homes.
Each school that is part of Duffy Books joins in a financial partnership with their sponsors to fund the books.
Blenheim School principal Dina Ahradsen said it was great the children picked the books as it meant they were more likely to read them.
"Whatever you do in life you can learn to do it by reading. It can be useful and fun."
Since the programme launched in 1995 with 16,000 students it has grown to encompass more than 100,000 children and given out more than seven million books.
- The Marlborough Express
