CITY law firms will team up with local schools as part of a new initiative to help children learn to read.
Liverpool Lawyers 4 Learning, launched today by Liverpool Law Society with the support of city council chief executive Colin Hilton, aims to support local primary schools by providing volunteers to help their pupils.
It is supported by more than a dozen of the city’s law firms, and will twin each practice with a local primary school which has requested extra help.
Volunteers will provide valuable one-to-one time with the children on a weekly basis, listening to them read and helping to improve their skills.
It also intends to encourage the children to engage in conversation about the world of work, opening up their aspirations about what they can achieve in the future.
Colin Hilton, chief executive of Liverpool City Council, said: “This is an excellent step forward.
“The city’s legal firms have been quick to respond to the challenge sent out by the council to work more closely with our schools and young people. I applaud this initiative.”
Donal Bannon, president of Liverpool Law Society, said: “The society is delighted to add its support to this wonderful initiative to help our local school children.
“It is clear that it is a rewarding experience for both the children and the volunteers and of benefit to local schools.”
Liverpool Compact education business partnership will manage the scheme, matching the firms with schools and providing the necessary training for volunteers.
The new volunteers are expected to be ready to start by the new school year in September 2007.
The initiative was devised by Philip Rooney, managing partner at DLA Piper, which has been running a similar scheme with St Cleopas School in Toxteth for two years.
Mr Rooney said: “Our aim is to ensure that future generations have the skills they will need to succeed and share in Liverpool’s increasing prosperity.
“This small investment of time now will pay great dividends for the children who will be the future entrepreneurs, professionals, skilled technology workers and civic leaders in Liverpool.”
Jacquie Fleetwood, head teacher of St Cleopas School, said: “It’s a fabulous scheme, children receive high quality, one-to-one support that supports the work done by hard-pressed teachers.”
Liz Roberts, primary projects manager at Liverpool Compact EBP, said: “This is a scheme where everyone wins – children grow in confidence, volunteers enjoy the interaction and employers see employees develop enthusiasm which they transfer to their work.”