We conducted surveys for one of our pilots with 80% of the student participants as some were absent from the schools. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Both schools (public high school and primary school in NSW) would like to continue the program.
Student mentee survey results
Student mentees (Years 2-4) enjoyed connecting with their mentors and loved tackling hard words together. The teachers observed and noticed their improved attitude towards reading and learning.
- 100% of mentees enjoyed reading with their mentors
- 100% of mentees enjoy reading more now compared to before KLAP
- 89% of mentees felt improvement with their reading ability
- 78% of mentees felt more confident with their schoolwork
- 100% of mentees felt more confident about themselves as they read more
Some mentees made suggestions such as having more books on animals, holding more reading sessions each week, and continuing the program for more terms.
“I liked that they encouraged me to read harder words and read more books”
“I liked learning about new things and learning new words”
A few parents also commented that KLAP was ‘fun and useful’, improved the mentee’s reading and confidence, and should be ‘running for more weeks’.
Student mentor survey results
All student mentors responded that they enjoyed being a reading mentor to a younger student. They found that seeing the mentees gain confidence and competency in reading was the most fulfilling experience. Over half of them particularly valued the connection and friendship they had developed with their mentees. The program also had a positive impact on the students’ outlook on volunteering with 100% of the mentors reporting that they would participate in the program again and recommend their peers to do so.
Moreover, the program also increased the mentors’ confidence in themselves, and over a third of the students feel that they have improved their communication skills and generally feel more confident in conversations.
- 100% of mentors enjoyed participating in the program
- 100% of mentors felt good about volunteering and making a difference
- 100% of mentors felt more confident about themselves
- 100% of mentors would do the program again or recommend it to their peers
- Some of the things mentors enjoyed the most about the program –
- 86% – seeing the mentees improving in reading and gaining confidence
- 57% – the connection and friendships developed with mentees
- 43% – improvement of their own communication skills and increased confidence in conversation
“I feel great knowing that I have helped a few kids make a difference in their education.”
“I have become more talkative and less shy.”
