COMMUNITY members can put their hands up to teach primary school students how to read and make a positive difference to their educational future.
Hands Up 4 Kids reading volunteer program started in 2012 and has since grown from 30 volunteers to more than 130 in the Greater Bunbury region.
This is the first year Clifton Park Primary School has been involved in the program and principal Ric Gates said the program benefited community members, students and teachers.
“This program is great because it is a way for community members to feel like they are helping the youth of tomorrow,” Mr Gates said.
“Research has shown to keep your brain active you need to be social and for people who are part of this program it keeps them interested and engaged.”
Year one teacher Leah Tiede said the program had made a remarkable difference to her students but one student in particular had stood out.
“I had a student who wouldn’t read to me but would read to the volunteer and after a term of reading to the volunteer would also read to me,” Ms Tiede said.
Janet Akaczonek is the regional coordinator and said the program helped children with their literacy and gave community members a sense of belonging.
“We want to give them a good start at school which will carry on through their whole life,” Ms Akaczonek said.
“Volunteers have said they noticed the student’s fluency and their willingness to try harder words improve.”
Lyn Gornall and Lyn Devereux volunteer with the school every week and said they enjoyed building a rapport with the students.
“This is a beautiful school, I love being with the children and seeing them enjoy the one on one time,” Ms Gornall said.
“If you can read you have that your whole life,” Ms Devereux said.
They are currently looking for more volunteers, so if you love children and wouldn’t mind dedicating an hour of your time call 0499 240 371 or visit handsup4kids.org.au