You could help local Portsmouth school pupils improve their literacy, and get valuable volunteering experience for your CV
Apply now to support the Pompey Pirates literacy hub which aims to improve the reading, writing and confidence of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dylan Peacock, a final year History student has been volunteering as a Reading Volunteer over the past year. He said: "I was able to watch as the class progressed with their reading confidence and capabilities, and it was extremely rewarding to have been able to play a part in aiding their progress along their personal academic journeys.
"Volunteering has definitely shaped my university experience in a positive way. It has enabled me to take some time out from my university course and to do something entirely different to my studies, but very useful for my future career path."
About the Pompey Pirates scheme
As a Pompey Pirates Crewmate you’ll be working with children aged 9 to 13 years old, helping them transition between primary and secondary schools. You can sign up for as many sessions as you like, but we ask that you commit to at least 15 sessions in a year. Student volunteers will have a mix of virtual and in-person sessions - but social distancing and safety measures are in place to protect all involved while supporting childrens’development.
Cathy Light, Deputy Headteacher at Cottage Grove School said: “The reading scheme run in collaboration with University of Portsmouth benefits our students greatly. Our children love to read with the students and get excited about their weekly visits. Some of these children have nobody who reads with them at home so having this one to one attention really helps foster a love of reading. We have been doing the scheme for several years now and will continue to do so because of the fantastic benefits it offers."
Last year 2357 students volunteered, offering 60,216 hours of their time to good causes.
Julia Hughes, Head of the University’s Career and Employability Service said: "It's really important that projects like this have a successful outcome for both our students and the local community. The Reading Scheme results in not only our students gaining relevant experience for their future careers, but we also know how proud they are to be able to encourage local school children with their reading and share their enjoyment of books. They really enjoy giving something back to the city they have chosen to study in."
Volunteering has definitely shaped my university experience in a positive way.