An Auckland reading programme matching volunteers with young high schoolers struggling with literacy wants to expand to more schools.
First piloted in 1997 at One Tree Hill College - the Rotary Reading Enrichment Programme has grown to cover eight schools, and two more set to begin on Waiheke Island next term.
The programme operates during school hours and volunteers who are typically retirees are paired with year nine or 10 students who want to build their reading confidence.
The organisers behind the programme say secondary school students can get left behind at the start of their learning at high school because they may come from a low literacy background.
They say individualised support is what is needed.
They are looking for schools around West Auckland to expand the programme to, with a lot of volunteers ready to go in that area.
Ann Dunphy is a former principal of One Tree Hill College and has led the reading programme since its early days.
Kathryn also speaks to Nigel Brown - an accountant who is a volunteer coordinator for Otahuhu College and often works as a reading tutor.
Photo: Supplied by Rotary Reading Enrichment Programme
