For some children the instructions in their math text books feels like Russian; others struggle to demystify social cues and gestures and struggle to communicate basic ideas. Literally literacy operates bi-weekly during after school hours and employs latest researched methods to support children to reach peer level literacy targets and to communicate effectively, so that they can understand and feel understood. The program builds communication skills, academic ability, and self-confidence, helping young people feel heard. The project is divided in 3 strands
Strand 1: Speech and Language Therapy - 1-1 and group therapy
Each child referred due to communication issues will be assessed by a SLT and be assigned an Elklan-trained student volunteer who will work closely with therapist to help child reach targets on weekly basis. 45 min of group therapy facilitated by the therapist will cement skills as the children will be able to explore and demonstrate communication skills in group setting and learn from each other.
Weekly communication groups exploring social, cultural and communication nuances, tips and norms and practicing tried and tested skills to improve skills in these areas.
Strand 2: Literacy
Each child will be assessed by expert tutor. A plan based upon these needs will then be created, with personalized targets to work towards. In each weekly session, every child will spend 30 minutes working to address these needs with their tutor. Followed by bi weekly homework help sessions as a group where immigrant children will receive guidance and translation help from a trained bi-lingual tutor mentor.
Strand 3: Culture Cocktail Event
Inter-school program on celebrating different cultures differences and increasing not only tolerance, but acceptance and appreciation, program culminates in community even and exhibition called Culture Cocktail featuring foods, dance and song from ranging cultures.
