Support to Girls High Students for their end of year exams now complete
Big shout out of thanks to the members, family of members, and our extended Rotary network of supporters who helped out with Reader and Writer support for Girls High Students with their New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) exams.
This year we supported 8 students with their English and Mathematics exams with the support focused on Reading. The 2025 English Level 1 Exam was a digital exam with Mathematics still being a paper based exam.
Rotary Club of Invercargill’s partnership with Southland Girls High school (SGHS) over the years has provided many opportunities to “Unite for Good”. One of the most impactful ways we’ve supported SGHS is through our involvement with students who qualify for Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) for Reader and Writer Exam support
These students face learning challenges that can make exam conditions especially difficult. With the help of a Reader and/or Writer, they’re given the support they need to complete their assessment. A Reader reads the exam questions aloud, while a Writer records the student’s spoken answers—simple tasks that make a difference.
Education is one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus, and this initiative reflects our Club’s commitment to empowering young people through learning.
A Twofold Benefit
Not only does this initiative provide direct, in-person support to students, but it also serves as a fundraising opportunity.
Each Reader/Writer receives a payment per exam, and members have previously chosen to donate the payment back to the Club.
In previous years, these donations supported the Rotary Give Every Child A Future (RGECAF) campaign, helping fund 100 life-saving vaccines in celebration of Rotary’s 100th year.
Who will benefit from the 2025 funds will be shared once finalised.
What’s Involved in being a Reader or Writer
Subject knowledge is not required. As a Reader all that’s required is the ability to read exam questions out loud clearly or if you are a Writer, write down the student’s answers. You can choose to be a Reader or a Writer or both.
A one-hour training session with SGHS’s SENCO (Specialist Educational Needs Coordinator) is provided to ensure volunteers feel confident and prepared.
Volunteers must complete an application form and undergo Police vetting.
If you would like to be involved or know someone who might like to help us - please let Trish Lindsay know.