A NEW school-based program in Adelaide’s northern suburbs needs older volunteers to help children learn to read.
Education advocate United Way South Australia is calling for senior volunteers for its Read Aloud Australia program to help build children’s literacy skills and connections across the generations.
Socially disadvantaged SA children have significantly lower literacy skill levels according to Census figures, with as many as half lacking the necessary skills compared with their peers in other locations.
United Way SA’s new in-school method to help lift these averages and support learning involves volunteers going into schools to listen to and help children with their reading, supporting literacy lessons given by teaching staff.
One of the schools involved is South Downs Primary School in Elizabeth Park, whose senior literacy leader Karen Penfold said the school was looking forward to welcoming the volunteers.
“We are confident the Read Aloud volunteers will add a valuable layer of additional support for our children,” she said.
A team from the University of South Australia will evaluate the program, seeking feedback from parents, volunteers, the community and the school, with a view to expanding it to other schools.
- Register your interest on (08) 7002 0140 or email kerry.davies@unitedway.sa.com.au