Staff at CareSouth were forgiven for showing up to work in their PJs on September 8 in support of The Pyjama Foundation’s national Pyjama Day. Pyjama Day coincides with International Literacy Day, and is a fun activity to break the no-pyjamas-after-1O am rule, as well as highlight the importance of literacy and reading books aloud to help stop the cycle of disadvantage often experienced by children in foster care. Funds raised from Pyjama Day go towards The Pyjama Foundation Love of Learning Program®, to help support more Australian children in foster care.
“CareSouth is delighted to support such a wonderful charity as the Pyjama Foundation,” said Chris Stubbs, CareSouth Program Manager, Foster Care. “As a foster care provider we are constantly supporting children in care who face increased educational challenges.”
The Pyjama Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director Bronwyn Sheehan said its great to have so many people behind this initiative as it shows that wearing your pyjamas really can be a life changing experience.
The Pyjama Foundation’s Love of Learning Program® is a literacy-based mentoring program for children in care. Volunteers from the community – Pyjama Angels – are recruited, screened, trained and supported to help the children improve their literacy skills.
“Our love of Learning Program delivered by volunteer Pyjama Angels is about creating positive relationships and supporting children in care to ensure they are not left behind,” said Mrs Sheehan.
There are around 36,000 children in foster care in Australia with 92% below the average literacy level by the time they are seven years old – 87% do not complete Year 12 or its equivalent. This can lead to long term unemployment, homelessness and involvement in the juvenile justice system.
