Ambulance service to run literacy course

The St John Ambulance Service is seeking participants for its Early Literacy Course.

The course, which is a pre-requisite for people wanting to volunteer to help with literacy programs at local primary schools, costs $25.

St John NSW operates a Program to Aid Literacy at Woy Woy South Public School, Ettalong Public School and Woy Woy Public School, and 100 other primary schools across NSW.

The program is designed to help primary school students who are experiencing problems with reading and writing.

Volunteers spend an hour a week during school time, assisting children in small groups or individually.

"Volunteers have contributed to the literacy programs at Woy Woy Public School for many years," said Woy Woy school coordinator Ms Jenise Kelly.

"With individual literacy sessions, they follow up and support the programs that have been developed and implemented by the Support Teachers Learning Assistance in small group lessons.

"This gives the students with learning difficulties the opportunity to consolidate their programs in a kind and friendly atmosphere where they can develop confidence in literacy by working with a one-to-one volunteer."

St John NSW marketing officer Ms Ellen Ward said program volunteers who had been participating in the program for a number of years found it rewarding.

"Eligibility for membership includes a reference and criminal record check and successful completion of the St John NSW early literacy course; and participants must be 18 years or older," Ms Ward said.

Ms Ward said courses, run over four days, would be available from later this month at Surry Hills and Newcastle and by distance education.

For more information email ccb@stjohnnsw.com.au or phone 1300 360 455.

Press release, 1 Oct 2008 Ellen Ward, St John NSW