Literacy for Littles - Mentors Key to Success
Krista Kitchen seems to love her work. As Mentor Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie, Krista came to our Sunrise meeting to update members on progress with the Literacy for Littles program. She needs Rotary’s help now to locate mentors. Who do you know who might help?
Championed and supported by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, and Pat Meiklejohn in particular, and administered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie, this program provides in-school mentorship to Norfolk children who exhibit learning challenges in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 2. Early intervention is widely acknowledged as critical to success for these children, and no other organization seems to be trying to fill the learning gap for these children in the SK to Grade 2 age group. The Ontario Trillium Foundation also has pledged $61,000 over a 3-year period to get the program off the ground.
As a pilot program running first in Norfolk County, beginning in January, Elgin Avenue and Delhi Public School will be assigned mentors for 4 children each. The following September a third school and 12 new students will be added.
Mentors will be key to the success of the program, and Krista needs mentors who will commit to work with these children for 1 hour per week throughout the school year. Mentors will be screened, including a criminal records check.
If you can be a mentor, or are willing to discuss the possibility, please contact Krista at 519-426-3121 or krista.kitchen@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca. Who else do you know who enjoys working with young people?
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