Bookworms is a joint community/church initiative run in partnership between St Paul’s South Coogee and Anglicare. Bookworms aims to improve the literacy of K-6 children living in public housing in the South Coogee area.
Volunteers give children one-one-one reading time, generally in two 20 minute sessions, as well as facilitating games that improve literacy and communication such as Bananagrams, Upwords and Uno. Long-term relationships with the volunteers enable children to practice reading and develop literacy skills in a safe and friendly environment.
Nerida Zhao from St Paul’s Anglican Church coordinates the group with the help of lots of volunteers. People involved say they love coming to Bookworms because the kids are so great.
Nerida said, “They have fun, but they work hard at their reading too. It’s really satisfying as they see themselves improve.”