Wizards of Words

Would you like to volunteer to bring the magic of reading to children?

  • Are you passionate about reading and understand its value?
  • Want to help children reach their potential?
  • Have you got time on your hands?

Barnardos is looking for adults aged 55 years & older for a volunteer reading programme for a number of Primary Schools located in Finglas, Dublin 11.

Barnardos Wizards of Words is a school-based intergenerational paired reading programme, focused on improving children’s overall reading achievement. Participants are children in 1st and 2nd class. Each child is matched with mature adult volunteer tutor, aged 55 or over. The trained volunteer will work with the child/children over an academic year, working with them on their literacy and helping to boost their confidence and self-esteem. Throughout the programme the volunteer is fully supported by both Barnardos and the school they are working in.

Volunteers who have been involved with this programme have reported that they themselves benefit as they experience the satisfaction of making a difference to a child and improving their educational opportunities and outcomes in life.

Interested?

For more information on volunteering with the Barnardos Wizards of Words Reading Programme
please contact: Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos Volunteer Service
Office: 01 7080431 | Mobile: 086 857 0112 | Email: volunteers@barnardos.ie

Project Leaders

Marion Mc Hugh and Mary Keogh have each over thirty years’ experience in Primary education. They have both worked as teachers and Principals in DEIS schools in Dublin. Marion has delivered extensive training to school staffs in areas of Social, Personal and Health Education; Child Protection and the Stay Safe Programme. Mary has training and experience in Supervisory Practice for Caring Professions.