"There exists a global connection between us all, and at the World Literacy Foundation we believe that education and literacy are the cornerstones for realizing one’s true potential. As the world changes and technology advances, we will continue to invest our time and resources into new ideas so that people can use new technology to access education. We hope that with a little bit of help, passion, and innovation, we can eradicate illiteracy and give each person around the globe a chance to craft their own journey. We encourage you to join us."
Bianka Demets - Marketing Manager
Keith Holden (BsocSc Econ) - Business advisor / Sponsor
Keith has been a strong supporter of the Busy Izzy and Friends project since its inception.
As the founder and Director of The Coding Company, he has a proven track record in both IT and company strategies necessary to take an idea and turn into a successful iniative.
His expertise and experience in the business world has been generously provided to Roxanne and Stephen and his sponsorship, in the form of tangible and intangible assets has been greatly appreciated and often used in our live productions and studio filming.
Kiswar completed a Bachelor of Business degree (majoring in Accounting) at University of Technology, Sydney and worked in management and tax accounting for various multinational companies such as Coca Cola, British Airways and Grant Thornton before making a career change.
Kiswar realised her calling was always to work with children and so made the bold decision to leave her line of work and pursue her ambition to become a teacher. She completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Hertfordshire, England and became a qualified teacher landing her first job at the famous Cat Steven's school in North London. A very dynamic individual, she very quickly earned the reputation of being an 'excellent' teacher and continues to impress Principals and staff with her professionalism and expertise.
Together with her strong business acumen and extensive experience in education, she is perfectly suited to the roles presented to her by Roxanne Kiely and Stephen Kiely, and very excitedly came on board the Busy Izzy train as Academic Consultant and Marketing Coordinator, while still continuing to work as a primary school teacher.
Kiswar has also dabbled in the performing arts and is not only vocally talented but has also had the privilege of singing on stage with ARIA award winners and Australian Idol finalists.
Jo Bird (MPhil ACU) - Academic Advisor
Jo Bird (MPhil ACU), a leading Australian researcher in the field of how child behaviour is affected by the proliferation of technology and will soon complete her PhD on the subject. She agrees children have never been more exposed to images and language that are not necessarily positive and this is creating some challenges for parents and educators. She believes it is important for children to experience a mix of media and books are a critical element of this. Further, books which promote values of inclusiveness and collaboration such as the Busy Izzy and Friends series are especially important.
Imagine if you looked at this page, saw the words but had no idea what the letters and words meant?
The creative team behind Busy Izzy and Friends, author and songwriter, Roxanne Kiely and songwriter / producer, Stephen Kiely, believe that being able to read, and having access to books is a fundamental necessity for children all over the world.
To help children read in Australia and in countries far, far away from Australia, Roxanne and Stephen became partners and sponsors of the World Literacy Foundation.
What is the World Literacy Foundation?
The World Literacy Foundation is a global not-for-profit that works to lift young people out of poverty through the power of literacy. It's motto is:
"Knowing how to read and write can break the cycle of poverty".
At the launch of Book One in the series, "Busy Izzy and Friends", World Literacy Foundation CEO, Andy Kay spoke of the relationship between the World Literacy Foundation and Roxanne and Stephen:
"On behalf of the World Literacy Foundation, I’d like to acknowledge Roxanne and Stephen for the wonderful first book that they’ve developed. It’s really a privilege to be involved with it. I think it’s fantastic that they’ve decide to link the initiative with the World Literacy Foundation."
Andy continues, "We’re using the books to distribute to a variety of low-income families and indigenous communities around Australia. I guess many of you kids have lots of books at home, but in some homes around Australia, kids don’t have books, and books are so important for development during those early years.
So the Busy Izzy books that we have, we’re distributing this Christmas actually, through single mum groups and play groups in disadvantaged communities right across Australia.
On behalf of the World Literacy Foundation, I’m happy to acknowledge Stephen and Roxanne for this wonderful book with music that they’ve produced. It’s a unique product, as it brings together words in rhyme and rhythm.
It is a fantastic product and I fully endorse it, on behalf of the organisation. It really is just a privilege to have this wonderful friendship and association in this, and I really look forward to the next nine books, so thank you, Roxanne and Stephen."
The Busy Izzy project has been cited in the World Literacy Foundation's Annual Report 2015-16 in reference to the partnership between the WLF and Roxanne and Stephen:
Download a PDF copy of the World Literacy Foundation Annual Report 2015-16
More recently, the Busy Izzy books and accompanying songs and narrations, have been featured in an exciting new initiative by the World Literacy Foundation, the "Sun Books" project. Now, children in countries where books are hard to come by, are able to increase their knowledge of the English language, as well as cultural customs of Australia, and the valuable and enjoyable understanding of friendship and co-operation which pour out of the Busy Izzy stories, in solar-powered tablets full of informative, educational and fun-filled apps.
The Sun Book is a 10-inch Android device with 16GB storage. It measures 242 x 189 x 10mm and weighs 680g.
Content in both Swahili and English has come from partnerships with several local children’s book publishers (including Busy Ink, the publisher of the Busy Izzy series). So teachers can teach and children can learn using local, culturally relevant books and resources.
With your support, the aim is to provide one Sun Book tablet for each classroom. The teacher can use the resources on the device to help devise lesson plans. Children can read books on the device or complete assessments as set by the teacher.
The World Literacy Foundation designed and developed the Sun Book tablet over the last 3 years. This was in response to the urgent need for more textbooks and teaching resources in millions of classrooms throughout the world’s poorest regions.
Roxanne and Stephen look forward to bringing more Busy Izzy books, songs, apps and learning modules to children all over the world, in conjunction with the World Literacy Foundation.
