Lions Sponsor Story Dogs to Boost Kids’ Reading

Last year, the Lions Club of Canberra Valley had the pleasure of hosting a member of the Story Dogs team in Canberra. The club was deeply inspired by the incredible work they are doing to support literacy accessibility in Canberra schools.

Story Dogs offers children weekly reading sessions with a dog and a volunteer handler throughout the school year. Volunteers are trained to go at the child’s pace, using the dog’s calming presence to help with reading comprehension.

The handler often speaks on behalf of the dog, creating an engaging environment. For example, they might say, “Simba doesn’t understand this page, can you help him?” This approach boosts the child’s confidence as they ‘teach’ the dog, fostering a supportive and shared learning experience.

Now, in partnership with the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation (ALWF), the Lions Club of Canberra Valley is thrilled to announce the sponsorship of Story Dogs volunteer Tricia and her Maltese, Dude. The club joins 64 other Lions and Leos Clubs across the country in supporting this meaningful cause.

Tricia and Dude will be making a significant impact at Lyneham Primary School by providing weekly one-on-one reading sessions. These sessions offer a fun and safe space outside the classroom where children can read at their own pace. Learn more about Tricia and Dude’s work here.

Special thanks go to the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation and its Community Grants program, whose generous support has enabled the Lions Club of Canberra Valley to sponsor Tricia and Dude for the coming years.

The club is also looking forward to the possibility of inviting Tricia and Dude to share firsthand stories about the outstanding work they’re doing with Lyneham Primary School in the near future.