Great news, everyone!
The Reading Enrichment Programme (REP) is officially launching at Papakura High School. We are thrilled to partner with the school to help Year 9 students develop their literacy skills. This is a fantastic opportunity for our club to make a tangible difference in our local community.
The programme kicks off on Thursday, October 16th, which is Week 2 of Term 4. This first session will be an induction, giving us a chance to meet the students and get a feel for the school environment before the literacy sessions begin.
We've confirmed all the details, so you can mark your calendars. All sessions will be held in the school library at the following times:
- Session 1: 11.40am - 12.40pm
- Session 2: 12.40pm - 1.40pm
The school has kindly invited us to join them for tea and coffee in the staffroom before the sessions, which will be a wonderful chance to connect with the teachers and discuss the upcoming sessions.
This term’s programme will run for six weeks and will involve two Year 9 classes, culminating in a small graduation ceremony. While it's a short run, it's the perfect trial for a full-scale launch in 2026, when they plan to run two semesters.
A special thanks to Leonie, our REP Programme Manager, and Di for their hard work in getting this organised.
Leonie has asked for volunteers to confirm their availability, so please let her know if you are able to help out, and whether you are available for one or both sessions. This is a great chance to be part of a meaningful new chapter for our club!
About the Programme
The Rotary Reading Enrichment Programme (REP) is a volunteer-based literacy and mentoring program.It was created by the Rotary Club of Penrose, New Zealand, and is designed to help high school students, typically in Year 9, who are struggling with their literacy skills.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the program:
Mentoring and Literacy: The core of REP is a one-on-one mentoring relationship between a community volunteer and a student.The goal is to improve the student's reading and literacy skills, which in turn helps them with their overall academic progress.
Volunteers: The volunteers are often retired professionals from various backgrounds, such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers. They dedicate their time to work with the students in a supportive, non-pressured environment.
Structure: The program is run during school hours and is typically overseen by a teacher or a coordinator from the school's Learning Support team. The Rotary Club of Penrose provides the governance and funding, while the local Rotary clubs and schools collaborate on the ground.
Benefits: The program has been shown to result in solid literacy gains for students. It also has a significant positive impact on their confidence. The mentoring aspect is crucial, as the volunteers not only help with reading but also become a source of support and friendship for the students.
Expansion: Since its inception in 1997, the program has expanded from its initial location at One Tree Hill College to several other schools, primarily in the Auckland and Northland regions of New Zealand.
https://rotaryenrichmentprogramme.club/en_AU/top
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