Supporting the unique and postive work carried out by Books in Homes is a key component of the Rugby League Reads program.

Books in Homes was founded in New Zealand by Alan Duff, author of the widely acclaimed book "Once Were Warriors". Alan's belief that failures in adult life often stem from a childhood devoid of books or reading inspired him to develop a program where children from disadvantaged backgrounds are given new books every year to keep and cherish.

In 2001 Books in Homes Australia (BiHA) was founded to do the same for chidlren here. The aim is to help young disadvantaged children to improve their literacy and broaden their opportunities later in life, at the same time develop and maintain a life long love of books and reading.

The children in the Books in Homes program largely come from:-

Low-socio economic circumstances in terms of education, employment and housing;
Remote areas of Australia where a high proportion are Indigenous;
Schools and communities where there are no proper facilities or access to new books;
Schools that are classified as "disadvantaged" by the Department of Education; and
Below-average national literacy ability.

Children who can't read have immense difficulties at school. Statistics show, illiterate children are more likely to leave before age 16; have no trade or other qualifications; do not have the ability to build a better future for themselves or their local community; and will not be able to find employment or financial stability as adults. In other words, they are destined for the poverty cycle trap.

Books in Homes Australia currently has 9,500 registered children from 102 schools across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA receiving free books. There is no doubt as to the positive impact that the program has on these children, their schools, families and local communities.

Our aim is to help all of Australia's young disadvantaged children to improve their literacy.

Reading is Australia's Future.

For more information, please visit www.biha.com.au