Laverton children are being given the chance to embrace reading, thanks to a new project that helps build community resources.
The Laverton Community Centre recently received bookshelves and ottomans built by prisoners at the Metropolitan Remand Centre and offenders on community correction orders.
The work is part of The Learning Corner, an initiative of the Justice Department.
Department community work partnership manager Stephen Cadman said the idea behind the project was to ensure that reading resources were available to children.
“There are enormous benefits to reading as a child and reading should be an integral part of growing up,” Mr Cadman said. “Unfortunately, for those less fortunate it is not always possible to have engaging books available.
“With the resources, hopefully more children in the area will be given the opportunity to embrace reading from an early age.”
Residents will be encouraged to donate books to help keep the bookshelves full.
Mr Cadman said that for the offenders and prisoners involved, the program provided an opportunity to give back to the community.
“This is also a chance for offenders to develop skills that are transferable to the outside world which, in turn, helps reduce the likelihood of their reoffending,” he said.
The Laverton Community Centre is at 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.
