Learning Links works to help children experiencing literacy and numeracy problems

Most people are unable to remember the first thing they read each day because it’s easy. But imagine being a child who wants to read but can’t.

MOST people are unable to remember the first thing they read each day because it is effortless.

But imagine being a child with an urge to read but the words refuse to roll off the tongue.

Learning Links works with schools, early childhood settings and parents to help children who are experiencing developmental delays.

The organisation runs services in literacy, numeracy, speech and occupational therapies, assessments and counselling to assist these children with learning disabilities and difficulties.

As part of DoSomething Day on July 19, Learning Links is calling for volunteers to become a reading buddy at their local primary school for just 45 minutes a week to help children improve their literacy skills with the Reading for Life program.

DoSomething Day is Australia’s biggest celebration of volunteering in our communities, recognising the extraordinary contributions made by everyday locals.

Learning Links works with schools, early childhood settings and parents to help children who are experiencing developmental delays.

It seeks to inspire people to make a difference and give back by volunteering, making a donation or carrying out a simple random act of kindness.

“Without sufficient reading and literacy skills, children are at a high risk of disengaging from education altogether,” chief executive Birgitte Maibom said.

“It’s incredibly important that we help the children before they enter high school.”

Ms Maibom said up to 15 per cent of all children were affected by learning difficulties and learning disabilities and if left untreated, the long-term impacts included “inability to complete education, participate in the community and have a fulfilling life”.

“By intervening at an early age (years 2 to 4), Learning Links aims to prevent children leaving school with limited literacy outcomes,” she said.

“Without the funding we receive, many of these children would not receive help.”

ClubsNSW member clubs provide volunteers and funding for Learning Links through the ClubGrants Scheme, which supports the Reading for Life and Counting for Life programs that targets children in years 2 to 5 who are struggling with numeracy and literacy.

“Teaching a child to read is about the best gift you can give to a person,” ClubsNSW chairman Peter Newell OAM said.

Volunteer here

Casey Donovan urges people to get behind this year’s DoSomething Day celebrations.. Picture: Christian Gilles

WHAT IS DO SOMETHING DAY?

Do Something Day on July 19 is Australia’s biggest celebration of volunteering in our communities, recognising the extraordinary contributions made by everyday locals. It seeks to inspire people to make a difference and give back by volunteering, making a donation or carrying out a simple random act of kindness.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

There are endless ways you can help others - and you don’t need to wait until Dosomething Day to start. However, as July 19 is the focal point of this celebration, it would be great to turn your attention to it on that day. Let the “kind-o-miser” generate a kind deed sugestion for you to do. Try our Do Something Day Quiz which will help match you with a charity that reflects your ideals.

Post to Facebook Twitter and Instagram.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Tweet, Instagram or Facebook a picture that captures the spirit of kindness and generosity on Do Something Day - and use the hashtags #dosomethingday and #giveyourbest. It could be a picture of a volunteers at charity you are already involved with. It could be a picture acknowleding someone in your community who selflessly works for others. It could be a snap of the nice person who serves your coffee every day with a smile. so many ways to to acknowledge the kindness in our community.