The next generation of Sunshine police could be recruited through the old-fashioned art of letter-writing.
Meaningful bridges are being built between local law enforcers and the Sunshine Primary School through the Literacy Buddies program, where the ‘Big Buddies’, local police officers, and Brimbank’s ‘Little Buddies’, Sunshine PS students, exchange handwritten letters during the school year.
The program aims to improve literacy and engage kids with positive role models. Grade five and six teacher Andrew Kearns said the Ardoch Youth Foundation initiative had been “amazing” for students.
“It’s a great way for students to put faces and personalities to the hard-working members of the local Victoria Police force,” he said.
“The students get to write good, old-fashioned letters to their buddies, and eagerly await replies.
“The program inspires children to write for a meaningful purpose.
“Police buddies visit the school and give students a taste of life as a serving police officer.
“They then get to visit the local police station and go behind the scenes to explore what a career in the force is like.”
