Community members with a little time to spare are being encouraged to help local students build their confidence with reading. The Reading Together Program, coordinated through The Salvation Army’s STeP123 literacy initiative, is looking for volunteers to work with students at East Derwent Primary School.

The program supports children who have been referred by their classroom teacher and would benefit from extra reading practice. Volunteers spend time in the classroom reading alongside students, helping them improve their literacy skills and confidence. Volunteers give their time for just one and a half hours a week, and no formal teaching experience is required. Volunteers must have a valid Working With Vulnerable People card.

The Reading Together Program currently operates in 13 schools across the greater Hobart area, with East Derwent Primary keen to join the program this year. Organisers are now hoping to recruit volunteers from the local community so the program can begin at the school.

The STeP123 initiative was developed by The Salvation Army to raise awareness of the importance of literacy and the role it plays in building confidence, independence and future opportunities. For more information or to get involved, visit: www.salvationarmy.org.au/step123.