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. The programme targets children whose reading level is behind their peers. Each child is matched with a mature adult volunteer reading tutor, aged 55 or over, who will provide one to one reading help 2-3 times a week during primary school hours.
The trained volunteers will work with the children over an academic year, working with them on their literacy and helping to boost their confidence and self-esteem. The WoW programme is currently running in fifteen primary schools in Dublin however there are some volunteer vacancies for the 2017/18 academic year in some of these schools.
Some of the volunteers who have worked with us have said: "It’s enjoyable and very easy”, “It is like reading with your grandchildren”, “It’s not as difficult as you might imagine!”, “Children love it and feel special and you bond with the child”.
Locations:
• St James National School, Basin Lane, Dublin 8
• St Brigids Senior School, Wellmount Avenue, Finglas, Dublin 11
• St Brigids Infant School, Wellmount Avenue, Finglas West, Dublin 11
• St Finians National School, Glenties Park, Rivermount, Finglas South, Dublin 11
• St Fergals Boys National, Heathfield Crescent, Finglas, Dublin 11
• Mother of the Divine Grace Primary School, Ferndale Ave, Ballygall, Dublin 11
• Gaelscoil Uí Earcáin, Glasanaon Road, Finglas East, Dublin 11
Watch - our volunteers talking about their experiences:
Rita Nolan
Denis McCarthy
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
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- Education/ Training
- Youth/ Childcare
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | |
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | |
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 6hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Various locations in Dublin 8 & 11
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Reimbursement of expenses
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Age restrictions:
Over 55
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
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.
