Aurora Gungahlin Rotary is continuing its focus on improving student literacy, with new funding supporting reading intervention programs across several Canberra schools.

The support, funded through its youth program in partnership with Canberra Careers Xpo, has been directed to Harrison School to help deliver the MiniLit and MacqLit reading programs, alongside additional resources to strengthen classroom literacy support.

The club says further assistance has also been provided to Shirley Smith High School, including funding for remedial reading texts designed to support students in targeted literacy groups. The materials include high-interest fiction and non-fiction such as graphic novels and short story collections, which are being used in Year 7 learner programs to improve comprehension and engagement.

At the same time, MacqLit is being implemented in Year 7 small-group English classes, supporting students who are reading below expected levels through explicit instruction in phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.

School staff say the structured approach is helping students build confidence and access broader learning more effectively.

As part of the latest round of Rotary support, Margaret Hendry School has also received funding to purchase additional reading materials from the Little Learners Love Reading range, which focuses on systematic, phonics-based instruction.

School leaders have welcomed the ongoing support, saying the resources are already making a noticeable difference to student learning outcomes across participating schools.