Children helped so far:
How can I help?

6,542

FAQs

  1. I’m unemployed and looking for work. Can I volunteer?

    You are able to volunteer for help2read if you are looking for work. However, before you sign up to volunteer please consider the commitment to the children you are assisting. The children will only benefit if their reading sessions are regular and continue for a minimum of 6 months. If it is likely that you will gain employment that will not allow you to continue your volunteer work we advise you not to apply at this stage. Instead, contact help2read for other ways to volunteer.

  2. How can I volunteer if I work full time?

    Our volunteers that are employed full time usually negotiate with their employer to have the time off to volunteer. Options include arriving at work later and volunteering first thing in the morning on your way to work at a school near to where you live or work. Another option is to volunteer during your lunch hour. help2read can provide you with a letter confirming that you are indeed a volunteer.

    Another option is to contact your local help2read office for other ways to get involved. These may include book campaigns, contributing your professional skills or assisting with other projects.

  3. I’d like to help but don’t think I have enough time?

    Volunteering with help2read only requires a minimum of an hour twice a week! You decide the times to do your reading sessions that suit you, during school hours.

    Contact the help2read office for other ways to get involved if you need to be more flexible with your time.

  4. I am a teacher or principal: how can my school join the help2read programme?

    Contact your help2read office for further information and a meeting will be set up to meet with the staff at your school.

  5. Why do volunteers work with children individually?

    We believe that one-on-one sessions work best as the child receives individual attention and support to meet that child’s unique needs. Many children do not have any one-on-one time with an adult role model. In group sessions many children do not feel confident enough to express themselves or attempt reading.

  6. Can we give the child a gift or reward?

    We do not encourage gifts. Once the learner graduates from the programme, they receive a certificate. help2read is of the opinion that spending time with an interested adult and having access to the exciting resources is a positive experience and gift enough.

  7. I want to volunteer for help2read. Can I choose the school I go to?

    We encourage you to choose a school close to where you live or work for convenience. If you wish to choose a school which is not on the list of active schools in your area, it may mean that you will wait longer to start volunteering. Your trainer will discuss this with you.