It’s back-to-school season, and in the lead up to children heading back to the classroom, Children’s Panadol has partnered with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) to launch the inaugural, ‘Building Brighter Futures’ campaign.
The campaign aims to help children develop critical literacy and numeracy skills, while raising awareness of the link between literacy and lifelong health.
Literacy and health go hand-in-hand
How does literacy impact lifelong health?
Well, did you know that according to research in the field, almost 44% of Australian adults lack of functional literacy skills needed for everyday life.
This impacts their ability to read medication labels, complete health forms, and measure correct medication doses.
The partnership between Children’s Panadol and ALNF, and the ‘Building Brighter Futures’ campaign, aims to highlight how foundational literacy skills, cultivated in childhood, are essential not only for academic achievement but also for overall health and wellbeing.
Important to address literacy challenges early
Lucy Durack, Australian actress and ALNF ambassador, emphasises the importance of addressing literacy challenges early.
“Literacy is the foundation of a child’s future.
“It shapes their ability to understand and engage with daily challenges, make informed decisions and communicate effectively with others.
“By fostering strong literacy skills, we can equip children not only to succeed academically but in all aspects of their lives,” she says.
Shopper initiative
The partnership includes a shopper initiative running from 15 January to 31 March, in collaboration with Chemist Warehouse.
For every pack of Children’s Panadol sold in-store, 50 cents will be donated to ALNF’s literacy programs, which focus on supporting children in disadvantaged communities.
“Health and literacy are interlinked,” Elena Pintado, Head of Pain at Haleon, makers of Children’s Panadol, says.
“Strong literacy skills empower us to make informed health choices, understand medical information and lead healthier lives.”
Improving literacy must remain a priority
Kim Kelly, ALNF CEO, says that the back-to-school partnership comes at a critical time as schools prepare to welcome students back for another year.
“It’s estimated in every class of 24 students, eight cannot read well,” she says.
“As we get ready for the new school year, it is vital that improving literacy is high on the agenda.
“We hope this initiative shines a light on the important role literacy plays in creating and maintaining a healthy life both in and outside the classroom.”
Learn more about ALNF’s work at: alnf.org
