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The Literacy Pirates take children on voyages as readers and writers, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers to join our Virtual Crew. Through our term-long, after-school programme, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond. Children join us on our Virtual "Ship" once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance. As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing, 1:2 and in small groups. Sessions are led and managed by our staff team, which means your time as a volunteer is solely focused on supporting the children. We ask volunteers to give just two afternoons every half-term, although you are welcome to volunteer more frequently if you like. Sessions run after school every weekday from 3:45pm to 6:15pm and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. You can do this online volunteering from your home, college or workplace. If you prefer to volunteer in person, roles are available at The Literacy Pirates' "ship" in Hackney.
No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided. All we ask is that you: • are aged 16+ • are a UK resident • complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this) • have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile phones/devices are NOT suitable for this role).
You will: • receive full training. • help children practise reading and writing by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements. • take part in games and have fun! • be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made. We offer: • employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us. • work placements for students. • Tempo Time Credits – for every session you volunteer, you will be rewarded with credits that can be exchanged for tangible rewards such as cinema tickets, yoga classes and more!
We ask volunteers to give just two afternoons every half-term, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like! Online sessions run every weekday (Mon-Fri) after school from 3:45pm to 6:15pm and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend.
