Alan Dindley, the Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador, shared his journey and the pivotal role he now plays in addressing New Zealand's literacy challenges. Appointed amid concerns over declining literacy rates, Alan's story is a personal narrative and a testament to the innovative approaches he has adopted to cultivate a nationwide reading culture.
Alan humorously recounted his early school days, which were marked by a lack of focus and a penchant for reading at inopportune times, which teachers found distracting. Despite these challenges, his passion for reading was unmistakable, a trait that would later define his career and advocacy. His journey from a struggling student to an influential advocate for literacy underscores the transformative power of reading and education.
The genesis of the Reading Ambassador role in New Zealand was inspired by similar initiatives in Commonwealth countries aimed to foster a nationwide love for reading in children and young adults
The genesis of the Reading Ambassador role in New Zealand was inspired by similar initiatives in Commonwealth countries aimed to foster a nationwide love for reading in children and young adults. Unlike the traditional children's laureates, this role was designed to be more interactive and community-focused, directly engaging with children and schools to promote reading. Alan, who succeeded Ben Brown as the second Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador, has brought a unique blend of personal experience and professional dedication to the role.
https://readingambassador.nz/about-te-awhi-rito
Alan’s path was not straightforward. Initially aspiring to be a teacher, he faced academic and behavioural hurdles but found his calling in connecting with children and fostering their love for reading. His initial job as a librarian, where he revitalised a local school library from minimal attendance to a bustling hub of activity, highlighted his knack for making reading accessible and enjoyable for children. Despite various roles after that, including working as a care assistant and a youth development officer, Alan's heart remained with promoting literacy.
His selection as the Reading Ambassador was influenced by his other notable achievements, including leading a kids' quiz team to international success and serving as a judge for the New Zealand Children's Book Awards. Alan's background in drama (PN Spontaneous) and theatre also complements his role, allowing him to engage audiences and inspire children through storytelling and performance.
https://www.kidslitquiz.com/home.php
https://www.facebook.com/SpontaneousPN/
In his tenure, Alan has visited numerous schools, directly impacting thousands of children by advocating reading as a key to unlocking creativity and imagination. He emphasised the importance of reading role models in children's lives, recalling how his grandfather's love for reading influenced him profoundly. Alan's message is clear: “To foster a love for reading, children need to see adults engaged in reading themselves”.
Alan also addressed contemporary challenges in promoting literacy, such as carefully curating book content and competition from digital media. He pointed out the alarming statistic that many New Zealand schools lack a library, a critical resource for nurturing young readers. His mission extends beyond merely promoting reading; it involves ensuring that children have access to books and reading spaces, which he recognises as vital for developing creative and critical thinking skills.
As he plans to continue his outreach across the country, Alan is also mindful of social media's power to advance his cause. Despite personal reservations, he acknowledges its utility in reaching a wider audience and inspiring a new generation of readers.
In conclusion, Alan Dindley's journey as the Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador is a compelling story of passion, resilience, and innovation in promoting literacy. Through his personal story and professional endeavours, Alan exemplifies how dedicated individuals can significantly impact educational challenges and inspire future generations to discover the joy and value of reading.