Learning Buddies Network has provided over 9,000 hours of free tutoring in 2022.
Learning Buddies Network operates weekly reading and math tutoring programs after school in elementary schools in the Lower Mainland to support elementary school children who are at risk or are already falling behind in school. Our goal is to support learning in reading or math and to foster self-esteem in these children through the relationship that develops between the child and their mentor.
These children are selected by their resource or classroom teachers as suitable for our program. Many of our students come from families who are not able to augment the school program with a parent or paid tutoring support.
Many of our little buddies are already feeling discouragement as young as grade 1. We believe that the combination of mentoring with an interested and enthusiastic youth or young adult, an enjoyable, judgment-free group atmosphere, tutoring materials that are state of the art, and daily practice, results in improved academics. True self-esteem follows from these solid accomplishments. Built into our programs are baseline and outcome achievement levels. We use these as well as outcome questionnaire surveys to assess effects. All feedback is reviewed and used to make further modifications and improvements.
Currently, we run a total of 34 programs during the school year, servicing 50+ different schools and organizations. During the summer, we run programs in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey.
Last year, through the efforts of 550 volunteers, Learning Buddies Network provided 9,000 hours of free tutoring. We are very proud that we are able to attract dedicated and idealistic youth who find meaning in giving of themselves to help children in need.