NORTHLAND DISTRICT PROJECT

Assisting children with Learning and Behaviour Problems

The fund raising efforts of Freemasons in District One have allowed the purchase of the latest Lexia software for use by groups of specialist Resource Teachers working with children with learning and behaviour problems.

"Freemasons Northland has been interested in helping children with learning and behaviour problems since its centenary in 1990," says Centennial Trust chairman

VW Bro Ron McCracken. The trust decided to fund Lexia because it was something that all schools could benefit from, he says.

It is anticipated that this will greatly improve the current and future education levels of many hundreds of Northland children giving them hope and a much brighter future, It will also help to reduce the number of "non-achievers" leaving high schools.

Figures provided to Freemasons suggest that 20% of all children entering primary schools have various forms of learning difficulty (30% in some areas.)

If this is not dealt with early an affected child is likely to become a "non achiever" at high school subsequently developing serious behavioural problems.

Chris Mutton RTLB for Whangarei Primary School and Te Kura O Otangarei says Lexia has helped children improve their concentration, reading skills and memory. The programme compliments teaching in the classroom by giving exercises and allowing children to practise at heir own pace.

VW Bro McCracken says "It would be great if we say we could lift the standard of the students by even 2 %"

The project continues...