'There is nothing better than being a reader'

Rama has been a Learn to Love to Read volunteer supporting three children in a school in Tooting for nearly a year. Here he talks about how he became a volunteer and his experiences so far.

Rama first heard about Learn to Love to Read through the charity’s Director, Tara, as their children were in the same class at primary school. After chatting with Tara, his wife mentioned to him that she thought the volunteering opportunity would really suit him. After a look at information on Learn to Love to Read’s website, Rama felt this could be a great fit: “Your energy and the cause Learn to Love to Read is working towards really impressed me and was aligned with my beliefs. There is so much need around and I wanted to play my role.”

He has found his experience so far to be everything he thought it would be. He comments: “It is such an important part of a child’s life to read, and when I look around, there is so much need and support required. The work Learn to Love to Read is doing is at a grassroots level and is cementing the foundation of a child’s life.”

A qualified teacher himself, Rama still appreciated Learn to Love to Read’s volunteer training and its emphasis on phonics and learning to read. He reflects that despite having attended a plethora of training courses throughout his career, he found the session most effective in developing his understanding. “As a teacher, I can assure [you], it was the best training - ten out of ten!”

Volunteers start their session hearing each child read from their school reading book, providing support and encouragement where needed, as well as chatting and asking questions about the story. Afterwards, volunteers have access to a box of Learn to Love to Read’s books which the volunteer can then read to the child. Rama finds he particularly enjoys this part of the session: “The selection of books in the Learn to Love to Read box is immaculate… I would like to congratulate the person who picks the books! There is something for everyone.”

Rama also appreciates Learn to Love to Read’s policy of supporting the same three children each week as he recognises that as the child gets to know and become more comfortable with the volunteer, they gain confidence and therefore perform better in the sessions. He stresses: “You need to have empathy and trust, and build upon that; [then] you see them flourish and succeed… beaming with confidence.”  He has found witnessing the children he supports grow very rewarding and fulfilling, and is always delighted when they ask if he is coming again the next day.

So in his view, what is the best thing about being a volunteer?

“The biggest win for me is to witness the children being excited and passionate about learning to read. They are so interested in learning new things while we explore the books. I love capturing the child’s imagination through the story we read and they feel enthusiastic about the books and ready to read or be read to.”

And would he recommend volunteering to others?

“Absolutely - a wonderful opportunity to engage with children from all walks of life and help them evolve and start the pathway to imagination, and instil the love of reading… there is nothing better than being a reader.”