A HELPING HAND
Since 2013, a remarkable group of volunteers has been providing invaluable support for students struggling with their reading skills
NERANG State High School is combating declining literacy skills with the support of community volunteers who have a passion for youth.
After identifying poor literacy skills of commencing grade 7 students, Nerang State High teachers called upon the Gold Coast community, local universities and TAFE to aid in the development of a targeted literacy program called the Nerang Reading Project.
Since 2013 the community program has gone from strength to strength and aims to improve the academic ability, self-confidence, and life chances of students with learning difficulties.
The project has been a hub for those seeking work experience from a variety of fields including education, human services, psychology and criminology. Students have collectively donated over 6000 hours to intensive ‘success maker’ literacy classes and oneon-one support in classrooms that require extra help.
Nerang Reading Project volunteer co-ordinator Jocelyn Bourke said the program was
vital to ensure all students had an opportunity to succeed.
“The Nerang Reading Project is mutually beneficial,” Ms Bourke said.
“The project provides realworld experiences to students and invaluable support to teachers and students in need.
“The volunteers, particularly those who partake in the Griffith University Community Internship program, have brought skill and enthusiasm to the role and our students.”
Nerang State High grade 7 teacher Kerri-Ann Condrin said when you had 25 to 30 students in a class it was hard to provide extra attention to students with higher needs.
“Students with learning disabilities or those who are struggling with literacy want to do well, but they lack basic skills and need additional support,” Ms Condrin said.
“Encouragement and having someone sit next to them and actually help them, it is just the best thing in the world. They are passing and they are so proud of themselves.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics tabulates 46 per cent of the adult population have only basic literacy skills, and many children are moving through schooling with a reading ability below the national average.
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology student Sampada Pathak’s love of volunteering with The Nerang Reading Project came from a place of understanding.
“I love helping the kids at the Nerang Reading Project, as I had dyslexia growing up,” she said.
“Dyslexia does not have to be a label and it does not have to define you.
“You can work through it and I am living proof.”
The Hopkins Centre deputy research director David Trembath said the effects of untreated learning disabilities goes beyond the obvious lack of academic performance, and one-on-one support is ideal.
“Learning difficulties will affect a student’s confidence, their engagement in the classroom with peers, and relationships,” he said.
“It has a cascading effect where challenges accumulate over time and to longer term disadvantage.
“It is great students are making a meaningful difference in the community, helping children and adolescents learn to read while they develop their own skills.”
Gold Coast TAFE certificate IIII youth work student Xelinne Ryan-Andrews said volunteering with the organisation was fulfilling and provided her with valuable work experience.
“It is a great opportunity to put my theoretical knowledge into practice,” Ms RyanAndrews said.
“I also love being a helping hand to teachers and students.
“Every student, despite any barriers they face, deserves a bright future.”
Griffith University Bachelor of Counselling student Larissa Watter recommended other students to volunteer at the Nerang Reading Project.
“If you are interested in working with children in the future, the Nerang Reading Project is a great experience,” Ms Waters said.
“You do not observe; you are on the front line and doing so much.”