We recently teamed up with Duffy Books in Homes (DBIH) as the founding sponsor of their first-ever comic ‘Duffy and the Bullies’, which is being distributed to the 560-plus schools nationwide who participate in the DBIH programme. Education Unlimited director Tina Rose couldn’t be prouder.

“Supporting literacy and reading in the home is a central part of our kaupapa, and this awesome comic book ticks all of our boxes – accelerated reading, Aotearoa based, addressing a real challenge (bullying), and including te reo Māori,” she says.

Based on the popular Duffy Theatre shows, Duffy and the Bullies follows a cool kid (Duffy), as he and his friends navigate school, friendship and everyday life. Launched on August 6, the graphic novel is a collaboration between DBIH and Oratia Books, with support from Education Unlimited, as well as Creative New Zealand and The Trusts Communication Foundation. 

Written by Jeff Szusterman and illustrated by Ant Sang, the comic – and the Duffy Books in Homes programme - aims to help tackle Aotearoa’s falling literacy levels by instilling tamariki with a love of books and reading. It’s powerful mahi that has lifelong consequences.

“Education Unlimited works with the parents of the tamariki who will read this comic, and we know from first-hand experience that low literacy has flow-on effects into adulthood, and a significant impact on employment success. We are so excited to be part of this collaboration and to be playing our part in this great mahi.”

The release of Duffy and the Bullies coincides with the 30^th anniversary of the DBIH programme, which has given away almost 15 million books since it began in 1994. This year, thanks to more than 200 funding partners, supporters and donors, nearly 100,000 ‘Duffy Kids’ will receive at least six new books of their choice to own. 

It’s a proud moment for DBIH Founder Alan Duff who says, “This is a huge milestone, and more than I dared hope for 30 years ago. I’m immensely proud of the mahi of the Duffy team, the in-school coordinators, and our supporters and funding partners across Aotearoa. Literacy is just so important to the future of these kids, and that starts with a love of books and reading.”

Education Unlimited is excited to gift 500 copies of Duffy and the Bullies to its learners, giving even more Kiwi kids and their whānau the opportunity to experience the aroha of reading and books as taonga.