Reading Buddies

 RSGC brings snacks and has brought hundreds of books for the younger kids. The Georgians read with the same children every visit and develop a relationship with their buddy. 

Grade 7 Humanities teacher Stephen Dame loves the program and sees everybody involved benefit. 

“For the little kids, it’s such an event when they see us. They literally run to grab the boys when we arrive in their classrooms,” said Mr. Dame. “For our guys, it’s a broadening of their horizons, a chance for them to take control, be leaders and be empathetic. You often see the true character of a boy.”

Much like the Right to Play program that also brings the boys to Lord Dufferin school, the Reading Buddies program allows Georgians to see another part of the city and explore the St. James Town and Regent Park neighbourhoods.

Mr. Dame says their manners shine and the boys enjoy taking on the role of teachers. 

“They get the satisfaction of helping someone learn to read,” he said. “You often hear guys come back and talk proudly of helping someone with a difficult word.”

Student Jed Van Dyke thinks the program is a lot of fun. 

“It’s a great experience. I feel like I’m doing something really good,” said Jed. “My buddy is funny. He plays with my hair and climbs on me.”