Sydney – 4 November 2024 – National Shared Reading Week, organised by Street Library Australia, commenced on October 28 and concluded on November 3, bringing together communities to promote literacy and shared reading. On the first day of the week-long event, Filipino-Australian author and vocal coach Tina Ranoso Bangel visited St Luke’s Catholic College, where she read her book, My Lolo, to an audience of fourth-grade students.
The event featured Bangel’s storytelling session, incorporating cultural elements that engaged students and highlighted Filipino heritage. The reading was accompanied by interactive songs, including “Kamusta Song” and “Calamansi Jive,” which Bangel composed to complement her book. The students participated enthusiastically, contributing to a dynamic experience that blended music, language, and literature.
Reflecting on the session, Bangel noted that the response from the students underscored the importance of fostering connections through storytelling.
“The aim is to inspire pride in Filipino heritage among young Australians,” she said.
“Music has always been integral to my teaching, and it was fulfilling to see it enrich the storytelling experience,” Bangel added.
National Shared Reading Week, now in its second year, is supported by over 100 Street Libraries across the country and aims to emphasize the role of shared reading in promoting literacy and cognitive skills. Prof. Genevieve McArthur, a board member of Street Library Australia, underscored that shared reading enhances social bonds and nurtures language development from an early age.
Nic Lowe, Founder and Chair of Street Library Australia, highlighted the broader objective of the initiative.
“National Shared Reading Week is an opportunity for people to connect over books and to celebrate the joy of reading,” Lowe said.
Bangel’s contribution to the event reflects her ongoing commitment to cultural advocacy and her work as an author and vocal coach. Her recent publications, My Lola and its follow-up, My Lolo, focus on themes of familial love, respect, and cultural pride.
Bangel’s work, including her latest book My Lolo, is available for purchase online.
