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22 <strong>Ashburton</strong><br />
NEWS<br />
<strong>Courier</strong>, <strong>November</strong> <strong>30</strong>, <strong>2023</strong><br />
www.ashburtoncourier.co.nz<br />
Visionary leadership part of celebration<br />
TONI.WILLIAMS<br />
@ashburtoncourier.co.nz<br />
Visionaryleadership and<br />
generous contributions have<br />
been the driving force behind<br />
the development and growth of<br />
Boost Literacy Initiative, says<br />
the initiative’s programme coordinator.<br />
Helen Breech was speaking<br />
to tutors and special guests<br />
gathered at Brantwood at<br />
Trott’s Garden for an end of<br />
year luncheon celebration.<br />
It was also the 10th<br />
anniversary of the initiative,<br />
which has literacy tutors<br />
workingwith students in Mid<br />
Canterbury schools.<br />
‘‘(This) belief in the power of<br />
literacy as acatalyst for change<br />
has transformed lives and laid<br />
the foundation for abrighter<br />
future in our community,’’<br />
Breech said.<br />
Among the guests were<br />
Advance <strong>Ashburton</strong> 2013<br />
trustees, donors, tutors, and<br />
<strong>Ashburton</strong> Learning Centre<br />
manager Mary Philip.<br />
The gathering not only<br />
marked adecade of dedication,<br />
but was to show gratitude to<br />
those whose unwavering<br />
support had been the backbone<br />
of the initiative’s success,<br />
Breech said.<br />
It started in 2013 with three<br />
trial schoolsand asmall<br />
student group.<br />
It has since expanded to<br />
include 19 Mid Canterbury<br />
schools, supporting about200<br />
POWER OF LITERACY: Boost programme coordinator Helen<br />
Breech (left) celebratesthe initiative’s 10 years with <strong>Ashburton</strong><br />
Learning Centre manager Mary Philip, Advance <strong>Ashburton</strong> 2013<br />
trustee Elizabeth Ashford, Advance <strong>Ashburton</strong> executive officer<br />
Carolyn Clough and donor Merle Cooney.<br />
primaryaged students each<br />
year who need extra literacy<br />
tuition to help them succeed.<br />
The growth highlights the<br />
programme’s increasing impact<br />
and reachwithin the<br />
community, Breech said.<br />
She extended a‘‘heartfelt<br />
appreciation’’ to Advance<br />
<strong>Ashburton</strong> and Mackenzie<br />
Charitable Foundation<br />
trustees, donors and executive<br />
officers of 2013 through to now.<br />
Special mention was given to<br />
Advance <strong>Ashburton</strong> 2013<br />
trustees Mary Ross, Trevor<br />
Croy, Gary Fail, Angus McKay,<br />
Anne Fleming, Kevin Geddes,<br />
Phil McKendry and thenexecutive<br />
officer Margaret<br />
Rickard. Donors Merle Cooney,<br />
Jeanette Sinclair, Nikki<br />
Crosbie,Bob and AlanJohnson,<br />
Nic Baxter (Lismore<br />
BOOSTUP: Methven Primary School Boost tutors (from left) Lynn<br />
Murray, Sheryl Mabey and Wendy Crews were among those<br />
celebrating 10 years of Boost Literacy during an end of year<br />
celebration at Brantwood at Trott’s Garden.<br />
Community Fund), and Graham<br />
and Lorna Robertson.<br />
As well as former Boost coordinator<br />
Judith Sommerville,<br />
Angela Muckle and Linda<br />
Bullock.<br />
Volunteer tutors Cath Gill<br />
and Charles Jaine were also<br />
acknowledged for their service<br />
since the start of the<br />
programme.<br />
The success of the<br />
programme was acredit to the<br />
dedication and expertise of the<br />
many Boost volunteer tutors,<br />
Breech said.<br />
‘‘(Their) commitment to<br />
improving literacy has had a<br />
profound impact on many<br />
children that have benefited<br />
from the initiative.<br />
‘‘It is your selflessness and<br />
dedication that truly make<br />
Boost abeacon of hope and<br />
opportunity.’’<br />
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