Volunteers wanted for numeracy skills

Specialist learning organisation Learning Links is calling on members of the Peninsula community to volunteer for the Counting for Life numeracy skills program at Pretty Beach Public School.

Learning Links is seeking 15 volunteers in total to help students from Pretty Beach Public School enhance their numeracy skills.

"Counting for Life is a volunteer community numeracy program that gives one-to-one assistance to children aged 7 to 10 years for 45 minutes every week for 15 weeks," program coordinator Ms Michelle Button said.

"Sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so we are seeking people who can attend on Tuesday or Thursday.

"Volunteers from the community become buddies to children and visit them at Pretty Beach Public School to help enhance their numeracy skills, self-esteem and motivation.

"They will be trained and supported by education professionals from children's charity Learning Links.

Ms Button said funding for the program has been provided by the Central Coast Leagues Club.

"Counting for Life contains activities to engage and interest children," Ms Button said.

"It also offers them encouragement to do their best and have a go in a supportive environment.

"Being a number buddy is a very satisfying experience for both volunteer and the child.

"All volunteers will be subject to working with children checks and need to be available for 45 minutes one day each week for 15 weeks, with a two-week break during school holidays.

"Sessions will run from 11.20am to 12.05pm on Tuesday or Thursday mornings. "There is also an initial training session (three hours), an orientation session and an after-program celebration party.

"The program is at Pretty Beach Public School, so volunteers will need to be able to make their way to and from the school."

The Counting for Life program will commence with the orientation session on February 9, next year and will end with a celebration party on June 15.

A three-hour training session will be held on February 4, next year.

If you are interested in volunteering on either Tuesdays or Thursdays and can commit to attend all activities, contact Michelle Button on 9570 3266 before December 5.

Media release, 18 Nov 2008 Michelle Button, Pretty Beach Public School