BUDDING writers will soon have a space to call their own thanks to an initiative dubbed the 100 Story Building project.
The project will help disadvantaged children and young people in Melbourne’s inner-west develop their writing and reading skills outside the classroom.
Program director and co-founder Lachlann Carter says the idea is to get children involved with all aspects of publishing.
“This is about being involved in real-life, authentic publishing projects. They are not only learning about the writing process but also have the opportunity to create published works.”
The centre will be the first of its kind in Melbourne when it opens in Footscray or Flemington next March. It will offer free, creative writing workshops, publishing projects and after-school programs to more than 1000 children from diverse and disadvantaged communities in the first year.
Mr Carter says the program will work closely with schools to provide children with a space outside the classroom where they can feel comfortable and be creative.
“The teachers we work with in the inner-west are so time-poor and the schools are generally under-resourced and under a lot of pressure.
“An arts-rich education is so important, as is having a space that is their own.”
Author ambassadors Alice Pung and Sally Rippin spoke of the potential of the project at its recent launch at the Wheeler Centre.
Ms Pung says it will help foster children’s self-esteem and self-respect.
For more details or to volunteer: 100storybuilding.org.au or 9094 7844
