Time to Read

Inspiring Young Readers In Your Community

 

A community based initiative that allows you, as part of your Local Insurance Institute, to create a positive change.

Being able to read proficiently is fundamental to everything we do in life and in work – and teaching children to read and inspiring a love of it within them is hugely beneficial, not just for the potential prospects it creates for them, but for their overall well-being and sense of self.

 

‘Time to Read’ a Business in the Community Ireland initiative is a community based programme whereby volunteers give their time to provide one to one reading support for young children (aged between 7-8 years old) in primary schools around the country, with the aim of helping them become more proficient readers.

Want to get involved?

Email events@iii.ie to find out more or download our information pack below

 

Download Information Pack

How do I get involved?

It’s so easy to become a Time To Read volunteer. To sign up, email Jenny at events@iii.ie or call 01 645 6600, and we’ll send you everything you need.

You can also download our information pack which provides you with everything you need to know about taking part and you can look at the step by step process in our handy infographic.

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How will I be making a difference?

Most of us take our reading proficiency for granted. As professionals, we have to regularly read and consume a lot of written information on a daily basis. But imagine for a second that English is not your first language or that you are unable to get the support at home for many different reasons. Your 1 hour a week will  help to open up a world of opportunities to these children and give you a real sense of giving back.

Learn more about our pilot scheme and how it is impacting our volunteers in our case study.

Download your Information Pack here!

Download Information Pack

Meet Our Volunteers

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Glenn Goggin

Volunteer 2021/2022

Time to Read is a great initiative, and it is hugely important that we as Local Institutes give back to the local communities in various ways. I am quite passionate about working with children and I have seen first-hand how important it is to provide support to them, even if it’s only in a small way, it can have a significant impact. Read more: A volutneer's experience

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Melanie MacDonald

Volunteer 2021/2022

I was a little apprehensive about getting involved as I wasn’t sure I would be any good at it, and I know how important the programme is. However, I really wanted to give it my all, and after the first session, I would say that my confidence grew along with the children’s. At the end of the first four weeks, I had really gotten to know them and their personalities. Read more: A volutneer's experience

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Trish O'Hagan

Volunteer 2021/2022

Time to Read is a really worthwhile and impactful programme and one which I believe has far-reaching benefits. I can’t emphasise enough what a great experience it was to see the children improve each week, and to see how engaged they were throughout. Read more: A volutneer's experience

FAQs

What is Time to Read?

Time to Read is a Business in the Community Ireland (BITC) initiative - it is a wonderful programme which sees volunteers give their time to provide one to one reading support for young children (second class) in a local primary school, with aim of helping them become more confident and proficient readers.

Why should I get involved?

The Local Institute's place an enormus value on giving back to the community, and they appreciate that their members do too.  This is a hugely rewarding and deserving programme and opportunity for you to make a real difference in your local community.

How do I find out more?

You can reach out to your Local Institute and arrange a call with the programme Co-ordination team to talk you through what's involved. 

How long does the application process take?

As with all programmes involving children, applications go through the Garda Vetting system which takes, on average, three weeks. Applicants must also complete a BITC application form. So, it is important to get applications in quickly to avoid delays.

Who can provide a character reference?

As part of the application process you are asked to provide a character reference. This can be provided by a neighbour, a member of a community group, or a member of local council. You cannot use your employer or a family member.

 

How much time do I have to give?

You are required to attend a 2.5 hour training session prior to the programme launch.

Then you will volunteer for 1 hour a week for two, 3/4 week periods (3/4 weeks on, 3/4 weeks off, 3/4 weeks on, 3/4 weeks off or vice versa). Some additional time may be required for support sessions.

There may also be a Library and/or site visit, which may take additional time if you chose to attend.

Will I be part of a group or volunteering alone?

You will be part of a group of 12-15 volunteers split into pairs. You will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers from your group at the pre-programme training session.

What supports are in place?

You will receive training from BITC prior to the programme starting. You will also receive a series of guides for the various books, which include questions and prompts to assist you.

Each group will have a support session, where you can ask questions and get advice on a range of topics and the programme co-ordination team will be on hand throughout to support you.

 

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