Clubs in collaboration bring home top award

Learning Links, in partnership with Canterbury League Club and 26 other Western Sydney clubs, took home the coveted top prize at this year’s ClubsNSW Clubs and Community Awards for their work in supporting primary school children to overcome learning difficulties.

“Learning Links exists to give children the best start in life. We work with children, families and communities to help support children to overcome challenges at a vital stage of their development and empower them to reach their full academic, social and wellbeing potential,” said Learning Links CEO Birgitte Maibom.

A long-time supporter of Learning Links, this year Canterbury’s $20,000 donation was used to help support approximately 65 students at local primary schools including Croydon Park Primary School, Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School, Narwee Primary School, Bankstown North Primary School and Milperra Primary School.

Part of the funding also went towards delivering three professional learning teacher workshops on promoting resilience amongst students, synthetic phonics, and speech and language difficulties, where up to 60 teachers from 20 local schools attended.

Whilst the Covid-19 lockdown posed some challenges, it didn’t stop Learning Links from pivoting from their in-class delivery method to an online learning platform instead, in line with schools also transitioning to online classes.

“Over 15% of children in Australia experience learning difficulties that can put them at risk of falling behind in school. And as each year passes, the gap between their educational achievement and that of their peers widens,” said Ms Maibom.

“Without early intervention and support, these learning difficulties can affect every aspect of a child’s life – they’re more likely to become isolated without friends, suffer anxiety, experience behavioural issues and struggle with daily communication and social interaction. And the effects of learning difficulties don’t end when school does as the student transitions to adulthood.”

“It’s amazing to see the club industry collaborate with each other, and with Learning Links, to encourage greater access to quality education and provide support to students who need extra help to achieve their academic potential. Canterbury is proud to continue our tradition of supporting local schools in the community,” said Peter Winchester, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.