Encouraging, inspiring and connecting
As a Schools Project volunteer, I enjoy using my teaching skills to encourage young pupils and supporting teachers.
As a former English Lecturer in Central Asia, Anna's skills are invaluable to teachers and pupils: a win-win situation. She feels that assisting keeps her young at heart and that age enables her to be more patient, especially with pupils. Equally, she believes her perspective on life is just as youthful as it was several decades ago; some days she feels as though she is 30 once again!
The Schools Project is run by the CSV's Retired Senior and Volunteer Programme, which encourages people over 50 to use their many skills to benefit the local community. Matched to a local primary school, volunteers help once or twice a week. The project also fosters learning between young and older people; children are taught important skills and social behaviour.
Anna says:
“Teachers and classroom assistants welcome the help of volunteers as they often have busy workloads. That's why RSVP volunteers are important – we can focus all our attention on any child who needs extra help. It's so fulfilling helping a child to grow in confidence and ability.”
“As I worked away from home for so long, when I returned to retire I was very lonely and eager to mix back into my local community and contribute in some way. That's why I knew the Schools Project would be the right thing for me.”
WISE WORDS
If you could pass on advice to other people, what would it be? This is your opportunity to share with us your own words of wisdom.
GET MORE
OUT OF LIFE
Make new friends; use your skills; get out and about; all great reasons for thinking about getting more involved in your local community.