Aime Went - Youth Action Team Volunteer
What inspired you to take part in volunteering?
My college emailed me with details on the volunteering scheme and I thought that it would be a positive thing to take part in. It would give me something to do over the summer, I would gain more skills and I could also mention it in my personal statement when applying to universities.
What have you enjoyed about this volunteering activity?
I have enjoyed working with the children at the library, as the majority of them seemed keen to talk to me and tell me about their books. Some of them recognized me after a few times of me speaking to them, and it was good to know that they liked me and the work I was doing with them. I also enjoyed working with the library staff and the other volunteers, as it was a new experience for me and something I would do again, hopefully next summer.
How has this project helped you develop personally and in ways that might help you at work?
It has made me much more confident, both working on my own and carrying out tasks as well as communicating with my fellow works/volunteers and the people I was serving. These skills, as well as time-keeping and organisation skills have helped me develop, as well as help me at work, as it has shown me how to balance work, college and social time.
2. THE PROJECT
What sort of things have you got up to on the project?
I have worked at the library summer reading scheme, asking children about the books they have read and getting them involved in the reading scheme. I’ve had to interview and talk to the children, communicate with the parents, deal with their enquiries, organise the children’s files and work with the other volunteers and library staff.
Is the project everything you expected?
The actual work was everything I expected but I didn’t expect it to be so enjoyable. I really enjoyed working both with the children and the other workers, as everyone was really friendly and the majority of children were eager to be there and talk about their books in the reading scheme. I’m glad I was a part in all of it.
Will you continue to be involved? Why?
I will defiantly continue to be involved with the reading scheme next year, as it was so enjoyable and great to see the children so happy when they had finished the reading scheme. I would like to do further volunteering in general, as it is a great experience and will help me gain other skills.
3. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
What impact do you think this project has had on your local community?
It has encouraged primary and nursery school children to engage with reading and encourage them to use the libraries. It has given them something to do over the summer and the idea of gaining medals at the end of the scheme has reminded and encouraged children that reading is fun and enjoyable and that the libraries are there for the children to use. It has also made the children happy and feel accomplished, as many children were proud of themselves and thanked me when they had finished their reading scheme. They have had fun, as well as educating themselves.
What feedback have you had from your local community?
The feedback has been very positive, with children and parents alike thanking me for helping with the reading scheme and letting their children move up the reading scheme and eventually finish it. The library staff seemed happy with my work and thanked me when it had finished as well.
