Reading is a life-long skill, that not only helps with the continual learning process, but also enhances a person's communication skills.

For some kids, reading is more of a struggle, holding them back when compared to their peers.

Thanks to a new program, many more Capital City kids are now flipping the pages to their favorite books.

Less than six months ago, Darveon Weaver was a struggling reader.

Darveon was a 5th grader, reading at a 3rd grade level.

Now, thanks in part to the City Impact Reading Program, Darveon has caught up with his peers, and enjoys reading more than ever.

"I struggled a little bit, when I first got into that program. I understand why my grandma put me in that program, because I didn't read very good, so now I got better at reading," said Darveon.

"I really like to read biographies, and I have liked to do that since 2nd grade. My teacher really got me to liking them, because we did a project on them, so that's when I started liking biographies, and I really like sports stuff too."

In just nine weeks, Darveon and other students at Elliott Elementary have gained confidence in their reading ability, enabling them to become better learners, as well as teaching them ways to comprehend what they are studying.

"Reading is a life-long skill, and to be able to read well is important not only in regular books you pick, but the classroom as well. I've seen Darveon and the others volunteer to read out loud, and they enjoy being able to read fluently, and to show their peers that they can do it too," said Amy Rasmussen, 5th grade teacher.

Since Spring 2007, students in the program have gained an average of one grade level per 9-week session.

Students like Darveon took that opportunity to get their hands on any book they could find.

"We read for about 15 minutes and we would either go to tutoring, or we would stay in the classroom with tutors and listen to some of our cds. If we listened to it three times, on each page, then we would get to try to master it," said Darveon.

All with the help of special volunteers.

"In loving the kids and the families in the community, we're seeing one-on-one tutors, who are coming down and investing time with these kids and loving on them, and we're seeing their lives greatly impacted by that, because their reading is increasing, their reading level is increasing, and we're excited to see the life impact," said Brad Bryan, City Impact.

An impact kids like Darveon say they are thankful for, and would recommend to their friends.

"I think the kids that are not that good at reading, I think they should try to go to impact reading. I think they should include them at other schools too," said Darveon.

The City Impact Reading Program has already helped dozens of kids, and is always searching for more volunteers to help kids during the school day, as well as after school.

If you would like to be a volunteer, or to start a reading program at your school, click the link below for more information.