Nonprofit, mayor target Hawaii childhood literacy

Mayor Mitch Roth emphasized his commitment to early childhood learning by kicking off a “Reach Out and Read” campaign earlier this month in Hilo alongside Hawaii County’s new early childhood resource coordinator, Angela Thomas.

The “Reach Out and Read” program aims to put books into the hands of families with young children to encourage a love of reading and support early learning. The first delivery was to Dr. Angela Lind at the Hawaii Island Community Health Center. Her son, Mario, was the first to get a book and special reading by Roth.

“Fostering lifelong learners is a key component to creating a sustainable future for our island that will allow families to thrive and succeed here for generations to come,” Roth said in a press release. “Our administration is committed to solving the many issues plaguing our keiki and their parents and will continue to invest in programs that build child care capacity, bolster workforce development in the child care industry, and support the health and well-being of our local families.”

“Reach Out and Read” is a national nonprofit that champions the positive effects of reading to keiki daily and engaging in other language-rich activities with young children by distributing age-appropriate books to families through pediatricians and health clinics.

Four offices on the island already are involved in the program, and with the county’s funding and support it is now possible to offer the program to all pediatricians or other practitioners who see babies/young children for wellness checks.

The first shipment of 5,000 books was received last month and is being divided, with 2,500 available for distribution on each side of the island.

Additionally, Thomas has convened a working group of early childhood education providers and professionals who will provide input into the island’s needs.