Amirah’s a teen champion

Local teenager Amirah Hayward has created the home schoolers catch-up and young readers group for teens at the Bairnsdale Library.

The group is a result of Amirah, 13, having previously found it difficult to find homeschool events.

“The home schoolers group gives an opportunity for homeschoolers to socialise, share ideas and catch-up with a variety of other students in the same age group, making new friends and sharing their learning experiences,” Amirah said.

“I also wanted to ensure that I could socialise with other homeschoolers as well as regular schoolers and the young readers group fits this purpose, we explore new books, make friends and enjoy crafts or games.”

The home schoolers catch-up is every fortnight on Tuesday at 3pm and the young readers group meets on the same day every fortnight at 4pm. The next sessions commence after the school holidays and new members are welcome.

Amirah is also a keen artist and is writing her own book. She began to be home schooled when her family travelled around Australia for a year.

“I enjoy being home schooled as I like to have a say over my own education and the pace which I learn, my family is very supportive of my decision to continue to be home schooled,” Amirah said.

Council’s Library Programs Team Leader Kylie Pinkerton said local libraries offer a variety of programs and activities for a wide range of age groups and interests and encouraged everyone to visit their nearest library to learn more.