Lizzie Young

CBRE employee

“I feel that I have benefited in my own self by giving my time to hopefully benefit the children and make a difference.”

I had heard of the ARCh charity through my employer who had previously been the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. Through his work he made me aware of ARCh and the work they do. This got me intrigued and throughout Covid it became more apparent, as being a mum of one, that children were missing out on schooling/social activity etc and more importantly when they finally went back to school full time they seemed unable to understand the importance of reading and especially in primary years they had fallen behind. This was my moment when I thought I wanted to do/be part of something. I had always loved reading and after reading the impact of Covid had had on children, especially in their primary years this is when I put the idea of volunteering to my employer.

My hours are 8.30 – 2.30 on a Mon-Thurs so this enabled me to put forward the idea of volunteering one morning a week but also being able to change my working hours till 5.00 pm to incorporate my volunteering. They were happy with this idea so it was back in March 2022 that I started with ARCh

I was warmly welcomed at Ducklington Primary School by all which still continues, and I feel that I have got a good relationship with all staff. I volunteer on Tuesday mornings whereby I have three children, each having 30 minutes of a one to one session. During this session we have 20 minutes reading followed by 10 minutes of something they want to do .. this includes either word searches/puzzles/hangman (a favourite where they want to beat me)…. or some art/craftwork. We have even explored origami… something I have never been very good at but the children have tried to teach me!

I feel that I have benefited in my own self by giving my time to hopefully benefit the children and make a difference. I have a good relationship with the teacher of the class where I am placed and she ensures that I know what the children need to concentrate on and has made me feel part of their class including being invited to the Christmas party/dinner.

Overall, the feedback I have had is that the children really enjoy the sessions and enjoy seeing me come in. A lovely comment from one pupil was “I am glad its Tuesday as you are in”. This is either because they enjoy the session or just want to do something different! Either way, I feel that I am making a difference as I know as a parent/adult that the next few years are the defining ones and to be able to read with confidence and understanding will play such an important role as they advance into secondary school… and to be part of that makes me feel that this is something good and which is needed as the jump from primary to secondary is daunting enough for some pupils and to not have good reading skills/confident sadly seems to hold you back.