The Learning Club program, which helps disadvantaged children improve their literacy, needs more volunteers in Lake Illawarra, Bulli, Barrack Heights, Tarrawanna and Port Kembla.

Learning Club leader Suanne Sneddon urged Illawarra residents to help students and their families.

Cringila mum Hanna Khaled has taken her four children to the Unanderra Learning Club for three years.

She said it was difficult to help them with homework as she barely spoke English.

"I've seen a big change, they are getting better results at school," she said.

Student Charlotte Power, from West Wollongong, said she attended the Unanderra club because she did not get time to study at home.

"I do co-curricular activities like physie and drama, and I help out at home," she said.

Volunteer Jeremy Staines, from Bulli, said although the job required patience to work with children, it was satisfying to see students improve.

"If you persist, you see them change," he said.

He encouraged others to join their local learning club, because "variety is the spice of life".

Volunteers are asked to commit up to 1½ hours per week during terms two and three.

Volunteers will be subject to police checks.

Contact Suanne Sneddon on 02 4260 9384 or suanne.sneddon@thesmithfamily.com.au for more information.