About Barnardos
Barnardos supports children whose well being is under threat, by working with them,their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland's leading independent children's charity.
What's Involved
Barnardos literacy programme Wizards of Words (WoW) aims to improve children’s literacy skills and help them become better, more confident readers. Each child is matched with a mature adult volunteer tutor 55+ who will provide one to one reading help 2 to 3 times a week. The trained volunteers will work with the child/children over an academic year, working with them on their literacy and helping to boost their confidence and self esteem. The programme is based in primary schools in Dublin and targets children whose reading level is behind their peers.
We are currently looking for volunteers who would be especially interested in working in schools in the Finglas area, Dublin 11.
Training:
We are meeting interested persons on 22nd August to discuss the programme. We will be holding the training course for the programme on Wednesday 30th, Thursday 31st August and Tuesday 5th September in Finglas. Volunteers need to attend all 3 days in full (10am to 3:30pm).
Outline of Volunteers Tasks and Responsibilities:
To work with a child on a one to one basis helping them to improve their reading skills.
To encourage the child with reading and help to boost their confidence and self esteem.
Provide a positive mature adult role model.
Arrive at site 30 minutes before tutoring session.
Prepare materials for training session (full training will be given by Barnardos)
Follow the session plan.
Record how the session went.
Adhere to school and after school site rules and work within Barnardos Child Protection Policy.
Provide feedback on sessions to the Project Leader and/or teacher and report any concerns.
Time Commitment:
You can choose to volunteer 2 or 3 times per week during the academic year. There are no reading sessions carried out during school holidays. We aim to provide sessions with the children 3 times per week.
Sessions with the children last for 30 minutes each and we ask that you read with 2 children on each visit. Therefore you will be in school for approximately 2 - 2½ hours per session. The extra time allows for setting up for your session and basic recording of how the session went. Also there may be an opportunity to get together with the other volunteers for tea/coffee before or after the sessions.
What's required for this position
- No formal qualifications are required
- Interested in reading and understand its value
- Good level of literacy
- Interested in working with children
- Ability to relate to children on their own level
- Maturity, patience, tolerance and tact
- Consistent and dependable
- Understand and value diversity
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Ideally experience of engaging with children
- Education/ Training
- Personable Skills
- Youth/ Childcare
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | |
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 5hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Finglas, Dublin 11
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Reimbursement of expenses
Age restrictions:
Over 55
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Satisfaction of making a difference to a child and improving their chances in life. Attend social events and meet other adults and volunteers.
