Some children could barely read.

But months later she would watch them leave, waving goodbye with a broad smile.

She knew the child  was going home a different person, and she went home knowing she had helped.

“It’s just something anyone can do,” she said.

“It’s an easy way of helping kids who need it.”

The Smith Family learning clubs operate in Orange at the Salvation Army Hall, the Cootes Community Access Centre and the Bowen Community Technology Centre to assist students who need help reading or writing, or children who need a little break from home and would like to play a game of chess or cards. 

On Monday, the learning club at the Salvation Army hall was hive of activity, with busy  children reading and playing with an array of volunteers, and there is always room for more.

The Smith Family program coordinator Sarah Donoghue said the clubs could double their capacity if they had more volunteers.

She said, ideally she  would have one volunteer per student. 

“It’s for primary school kids that just need extra help with reading, but it also improves social skills,” Ms Donoghue said.

Reading club member Nathen Shwarz has been coming to the club for a few months and was initially unsure whether he was a fan, but on Monday he was challenging Mrs Eggleston to a game of chess. 

She was tested. 

“Now he’s very talkative and he likes Green Eggs and Ham’,” she said.

Nathen said he was sure he would beat Mrs Eggleston in the game if she was not concentrating.

It is children like Nathen who madke giving up an hour a week so rewarding says Ms Donoghue.

She says the times are flexible and if volunteers cannot commit to one hour a week then they could chose to spend time with the children fortnightly. 

For information call 6360 4795. 

nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au