A new literacy programme, aimed at ensuring every Southland child can confidently read, is about to be piloted at two Invercargill schools.

It is hoped that the new programme will ensure no child will be left behind and that those in need of extra literacy help will get it.

The programme is funded by Southland Foundation's Southland Literacy Endowment Fund, a fund initiated in 2024 by a local couple who had struggled but eventually succeeded with their own child's reading difficulties.

The couple recognized that early intervention and targeted support could change a child’s future.

The pilot will start this year at Waverley and Donovan Primary Schools with an oral language programme focusing on helping five-year-olds - especially those who need extra support - to develop their crucial communication skills.

Programme Coordinator and literacy support specialist Helen Campbell said it was a privilege to be involved in the pilot and to help shape a programme that she hoped would be rolled out region-wide in time.

"It’s exciting to be part of something that can make such a meaningful difference for so many children here in Southland," Campbell said.

Campbell will be offering training and support to teacher aides who will work one-on-one with the children.

Waverley Park School Principal Kerry Hawkins, said the initiative would help kids build the oral foundations essential for success in reading and writing.

"Before writing comes reading; before reading comes talking. Before talking in sentences comes thinking in sentences."

"Quite simply, thank you."

Southland Foundation CEO, Sarah Hannan, said the foundation was delighted to be working with generous donors and local schools to fund such an important programme.

"It complements the excellent work already being done in Southland primary schools and will help provide additional support to ensure every child has the literacy skills they need to succeed."

Hannan said while the Southland Literacy Fund had enough funds to successfully complete the pilot year in 2025, ongoing support would be crucial to extend the programme’s reach across the region.

Donations to the Fund will allow the programme to grow and ensure every child who needs literacy support can access it, she said.

It is hoped the new programme will ensure that no child is left behind and that those Southland children in need of extra literacy help get it.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Southland Literacy Fund.