In talking with educators, parents and students, Ventura Education Partnership (VEP) realized there is a need for new, diverse books for VUSD students. With your support, we are bringing beautiful books to VUSD. Diverse books give students the opportunity to build empathy, learn about others, find themselves and so much more.
“We are very excited to be offering a new mini grant program that will enable VUSD staff of Preschool-12th graders to purchase classroom books that celebrate diversity, social justice and inclusion. Grants will be awarded based on a competitive, simple application process,” said Kathy Asher, VEP’s Co-VP of Grants. Debbie Golden, also Co-VP of Grants believes the Diverse Books for Kids project “contributes toward transformative change, that it inspires students to think critically about how we engage with cultural differences and promote social justice.”
With donations from early supporters totaling $7,500, a matching gift of up to $5,000 from Dr. Andrei Bobrow and Sabrena Rodriguez and many gifts from the community, Diverse Books for Kids has raised $17,660 of the $25,000 goal. “We are so proud to help support meaningful, necessary conversations around important social issues through age-appropriate literature. What we read, see and hear shapes our beliefs and values — and we hope to move the needle on culturally and socially responsible dialogue in our schools and community,” said Dr. Andrei Bobrow and Sabrena Rodriguez
Shannon Fredericks, parent, teacher and Diverse Books supporter invites the community to lend their support. “If you feel like giving educators a hug but you can’t because COVID—let your money do the hugging. Trust me, teachers will feel loved and appreciated by receiving a mini grant that you helped sponsor and you will be for helping teachers bring diverse literature and voices to their students.”
To support the project, donations may be made through VEP’s Facebook Page or website venturaeducationpartnership.org/Diverse-Books or contact Madhu Bajaj (805) 754-9861.
