The Ausenco Foundation is proud to partner with Books in Homes, an organisation we’ve supported since 2012, to fund over 1,200 books for more than 400 children this term. This book donation will help foster early literacy engagement and reading skills among children who may be living in remote, disadvantaged or low socio-economic circumstances.
In December 2025, Ausenco volunteers attended Books Giving Assemblies at three schools across Australia to bring the joy of reading to hundreds of children at the Tarro Primary School in Newcastle, Dianella College in Perth and Durack Primary School in Brisbane.
Before the assemblies, each child selected three books they wanted to own. These were then ordered, packed into individual bags, and handed out during the events.
Each assembly started with an Ausenco volunteer speaking with the students about the importance of reading and sharing insights into careers in mining and engineering. Volunteers handed out their books to the kids and then sat down with them to read together.
These conversations not only inspired curiosity but also showed young learners the diverse opportunities that education and reading can unlock. As volunteer Jana Kandus reflected,” for these kids, a story isn’t just a story…it’s a doorway into language, imagination and possibility.”
It was a special day for everyone. “More than once, the teachers told us that for many of these kids, these books will be the first books that they will take home and own themselves. One Year 6 boy told his teacher that he was getting books he could read to his little sister. He chose a book about unicorns just for her,” shared June Lacey, Ausenco volunteer.
By supporting Books in Homes, we’re helping to spark imaginations and empower the next generation to dream big. As Adrian Baron, one of our volunteers, says, “Literacy doesn’t just open books; it opens futures.”