The Rotary Club of Margaret River has been supporting Hands Up 4 Kids from late 2017. Club members and Friends of Rotary have been called upon to join the program which continues to grow in the Margaret River region. Feedback from the 2 primary schools involved is positive. Those involved in the program report finding it rewarding to develop relationships with students and see their reading progress through the year. The Club considers Hands Up 4 Kids to be a program which is beneficial both to students and volunteers. It has the bonus of meeting one of Rotary International’s key focuses, literacy.

I know the importance of reading to children. I have two grandchildren in Years 2-5 both of whom need this help.

I also wanted to contribute locally if I could and hopefully make a small difference.

It is absolutely invigorating being with these young children! It’s not ‘Can I find time to help out’ but “Thank You. HANDS UP 4 KIDS” for giving me the opportunity to help these young children! It’s a privilege I enjoy!

The most effective way to address literacy barriers and therefore learning outcomes is to establish teams of volunteers to listen to kids read.

Volunteers are demonstrating ‘community service in action’ which fits with the focus on school’s teaching of the importance of virtues.