A mixture of parents, teachers, and teacher aides have turned out for a meeting held by the recently formed Cook Islands Dyslexia Society at the Celebration Church in Nikao.

About 30 people attended on Thursday evening - eager to raise awareness and gain an understanding of the “learning difference” known as Dyslexia which affects areas of the brain that can process language.

“Our aim is to inform the community about Dyslexia, and help both adults and students to achieve positive outcomes,” said Jean Marie Kimiangatau Francis, who is the Chairwomen of the Cook Islands Dyslexia Society.

“Although not much is known about Dyslexia in the Cook Islands, we are determined to change that. 

“It’s really important that we build community awareness about Dyslexia and the problems that we have in the Cook Islands.,” she adds.

“(Because) as a parent, it can be frightening to see your child is not achieving the basic learning skills in school with little improvement each year which is really sad.”

During the session, Francis, along with other members of the Cook Islands Dyslexia Society presented their experiences as well as the differences in learning accredited to Dyslexia, providing a slideshow as well as a small hands-on activity.

There was also a meal at the end of the night and an opportunity for those in attendance to speak with the Cook Islands Dyslexia Society members directly.

Maki Tipokoroa, who was in attendance at the presentation, said she enjoyed it immensely and was intrigued to learn more about Dyslexia, such as how there are all different types of Dyslexia that people may experience.

“I really enjoyed it tonight and I’m so glad that I came out,” Tipokoroa said. “Because I wouldn’t have been able to go further and research more about my children who are now teenagers.

“It also helped me to link all the challenges of Dyslexia and connect it to my children which is so important. I look forward to many more meetings on Dyslexia and workshops.”