Mentors bridge a better future

By Kelly Yates
BOOKWORMS at Cranbourne West Primary School need mentors to help them keep turning the pages.
The primary school is looking for volunteers to help with its literacy support program, Bridges.
The one on one mentoring program has been going for more than 10 years and is aimed at Grade five students who are below the national literacy level.
Debbie Nobbs from Cranbourne West Primary School said mentors could be any age.
She said the nationally recognised program aimed to develop the students’ confidence and skills in reading and writing.
Each mentor participates in a structured mentoring program and receives ongoing support from staff within the school.
Mentors will read to the children, listen to them read and provide positive feedback for one to three hours a week, preferably three times a week.
Gayle Parker, the library coordinator at Cranbourne West Primary School has been a Bridges program volunteer for five years.
“To see a chid improve from one level to the next, not only gives the child a sense of pride and achievement, but also the mentor involved. I would definitely recommend other schools take on the program because of the ongoing achievements,” she said.
For further information about becoming a mentor contact Debbie Nobbs at Cranbourne West Primary School on 5996 2878.