OjiFS Celebrates Literacy with Duffy Books Initiative

Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS) recently had the pleasure of participating in some Duffy Books in Homes events, with Kim Murphy, HR Advisor at Kinleith Mill representing us at Tainui Full Primary School, and Shar Mahon, HR Manager at Tasman Mill, joining the event at Kawerau South School. Duffy Books in Homes is an initiative that promotes literacy and a love for reading among New Zealand tamariki, particularly in areas where access to books may be limited.

OjiFS has been a proud sponsor of this programme since 2001, ensuring children in the communities we operate in have the joy of owning and enjoying books. In 2023, our sponsorship helped deliver more than 2,000 books to children, fostering a culture of reading and learning.

The philosophy of Duffy Books in Homes is straightforward: to interrupt the cycle of 'booklessness' by instilling a sense of ownership and a passion for reading among children. Founded by esteemed New Zealand author Alan Duff in 1992, the programme has successfully distributed nearly 15 million books over the past three decades.

At these recent events, both Shar and Kim were welcomed with Waiata from the students, showcasing their impressive singing talents and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Selected students from each class were presented with Duffy books. The graciousness and good manners they displayed while thanking Shar and Kim was truly heartwarming. It was a moving experience for Shar and Kim to witness the children’s excitement about their new books, which reinforces the importance of our continued support for such initiatives.

This partnership supports our goal to create shared value. Investing in equitable education and thriving communities aligns with both our long-term success and the broader vision of the circular bioeconomy. Our collective efforts with partners like Duffy Books in Homes are essential to nurturing the potential of the next generation.

We are immensely proud to keep supporting this cause!