Storytime Foundation works with vulnerable whānau around Aotearoa to help them build strong bonds with their tamariki.
Research shows that establishing these bonds of security and connection can help both children and their parents/caregivers to reduce stress and process emotions better, and to improve overall family cohesion.
For these families, the stress and anxiety of their situation can get in the way of developing these important relationships, or they may simply lack the resources or knowledge.
Storytime Foundation’s book-focused programmes give parents and caregivers the tools and confidence they need to build this early attachment.
“Providing access to books for children under five years is important, as it helps to develop early literacy skills, cognitive skills, language skills, [and] exposes them to new ideas and knowledge, and promotes positive parent-child interaction. All these factors can help to lay a strong foundation for future academic success and lifelong wellbeing.” Storytime Foundation 2023 Annual Report
Storytime Foundation’s programmes cover four key areas
Strong Beginnings for Our Children – for whānau facing adversity, with new babies to 3-year-olds.
Taonga mō ngā Tamariki – for parents under the care or management of New Zealand Corrections with children aged 0-12.
Child-Centric Visiting – a programme using books and activities to enhance the experience of Visiting Day in prison between parent and child when visiting with whānau.
Storytime Books – a social enterprise dedicated to publishing books designed to help parents and caregivers build early attachment through reading with their child.
Storytime Foundation and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
At Storytime Foundation we are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi in an ongoing journey of learning through our vision, goals, and everyday practices aimed at supporting whānau to thrive.
This means connecting with our programme partners and whānau in ways that are authentic, culturally responsive, and mana-enhancing.
We are dedicated to honouring and incorporating tikanga Māori practices in our work and community engagements as we actively learn and deepen our understanding of these traditions. We are committed to respecting mana whenua and integrating these practices in a meaningful way.