On 20 August 2018, ten students from Oakhill College wrote a book in one day for children’s cancer research.
It’s all part of the annual national “Write a Book in a Day” competition which is run by The Kids’ Cancer Project.
Students were given a brief and then within 12 hours had to write, illustrate, bind and submit a storybook of up to 5000 words. Each book is then donated to children undergoing treatment in hospitals around Australia.
The Kids’ Cancer Project is an independent national charity supporting childhood cancer research. Since 1993, thanks to strong community support the charity has contributed tens of millions of dollars to scientific studies to help children with many types of cancer.
“This is an event that inspires collaboration and community spirit while students have fun writing and illustrating a book,” said Brother Steve, Principal of Oakhill College. “And it all happens in a 12-hour period.”
“Not only will our students develop leadership skills, engage in teamwork and creative problem solving, they’ll be covering key English curriculum requirements to set them up for life.”
“The real value-add to this competition is that participants are giving to a cause that is relevant to them. The fact is, cancer kills more children in this country than any other disease,” said Br Steve.
Col Reynolds OAM, founder of The Kids’ Cancer Project is delighted with the initiative.
“This is a wonderful program because it stimulates young minds while giving them the opportunity to help other young people,” Mr Reynolds said.
“Research is the only way to improve treatments and survival for children with cancer,” he went on to say. “Government funding only stretches so far, so it’s important the community steps up to support kids with this indiscriminate disease.”