Yellowknife (Oct 13/06) - The Kids Ahead reading buddy program is suffering from an affliction most groups wish they had - it is full of volunteers.

"There have been years where I was scrambling," said Susan Huvenaars, co-ordinator for the organization. "It's really great, now I have too many reading buddies."

Huvenaars said this means she'll have some back-ups "in case someone goes on holiday, or breaks a leg, which always seems to happen."

Huvenaars is in an especially good mood because last week the organization was recognized with a territorial literacy award for outstanding achievement.

The Kids Ahead reading program began eight years ago when Weledeh administration approached the Rotary Club and asked for their help to promote reading to young children.

"We needed a project that would have an impact in our community," said Huvenaars, a teacher at St. Patricks high school.

She has been taking part in the literacy program since the beginning.

"My very first reading buddy is now a reading buddy (to some other youngster)," she said.

The program began again last week for the new school year. "The greatest achievement is obviously improving their literacy," she said. "The kids are so excited, and so are the adults. I think we're more excited than the kids."