While some students struggle through assigned reading like Jane Eyre and The Scarlet Letter, others are reaching out to assist younger readers at Pinedale Elementary School with the community program Book Buddies.
The program, in its 13th year, encourages high school students to teach and read to under-privileged children at Pinedale. Forty FC students volunteered for the program this year.
Volunteer coordinator Linda Amparano says literacy is an important factor for children to be successful in school, which inspired her to start the program.
“My husband and I felt called here as missionaries, we had a passion to help the community,” Amparano said. “And it’s just important for us to foster literacy skills.”
Though raised in the area, Amparano left for several years only to return to accomplish a new kind of missionary work.
“I was raised here, but I moved back because I wanted to be a volunteer here. Originally as a missionary, I wanted to meet people.” Amparano said. “The kids just get so excited when students come read to them, they especially love FCS students because they’re so mature.”
During lunch on Oct. 19, Amparano held a training session where she explained to new and old volunteers the concept of Book Buddies.
“I coordinate volunteers and make sure the students get to their buddies on time,” Amparano said. “It’s interesting and exciting for me to pair up the kids with their buddies, but for readers who are returning, I know them a little better.”
Students involved in the program miss chapel and lunch on Thursday every week from the students participating. The cost covered for the bus is covered by the school beforehand; no money is required. Students are asked to eat lunch before entering the bus.
Though last year Lisa Lumeya, ’12, participated in Walking Buddies, a similar program that encourages fitness, this year she is participating in Book Buddies.
“Why isn’t there a walking buddies program this year? That was fun because we got to make relationships with the kids,” Lumeya said. “I’m excited though, being a Book Buddy is new and I still remember when I was young and how I used to have a reading buddy too. And it’s cool to be one now.”
Amanda Merzon, ’12, says the program allows her to teach the children and cherish the feeling of gratitude.
“I love little kids,” Merzon said. “I think that both the reader and listener benefit from the experience. It’s just a blessing for people to get to communicate to each other.”
Because of previous experiences with Walking Buddies, Chandler Vargas, ’12 still remembers the feeling of giving back to the community.
“It’s great to see how excited the kids are when you get there,” Vargas said. “They look up to us so much and I began to realize how privileged we are compared to other kids. Especially because they aren’t provided the resources to be physically fit and to read properly.”
For more information read the Oct. 24, 2008 article,
Book Buddies volunteer, encourage or call Amparano at (559) 327-7778.
