A POPULAR Doveton mascot has been awarded a special citizenship certificate.
The larger-than-life reading mascot, Rex the Possum, received the honorary citizenship certificate on Thursday 22 October in recognition of his contribution to local childhood literacy.
The brainchild of Doveton College, Rex has spent his first year bringing stories and excitement to children throughout the community, regularly visiting the local Doveton Library, schools and early learning centres to share in reading activities.
Rex’s work, which is co-ordinated by a coalition of community groups led by United Way Australia, is playing a critical role in raising awareness and support for early literacy throughout Doveton.
“We know almost one in four kids currently start school without the basics they need to be able to learn.
“The majority of these children will never catch up,” United Way’s Community Impact co-ordinator Marina Savron said.
“Getting young children excited about books, and encouraging them to develop the habit of picking up a book instead of the iPad or TV remote, can help them develop the skills they need to succeed at school and in later life.”
