Testimonials

It’s been a wonderful experience to work with the Grade One’s… They are such great kids!!! Everyone at the school has been welcoming to us. I love being part of VRP. I get a chance to help a new generation to learn to read.

Almost 10 years ago, I became a Volunteer Reader after I heard an inspiring presentation by Lenora Butler at my granddaughter's school. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of helping so many little ones strive to achieve their reading goals … The joy in reading is having a child who started in September, telling me he was stupid and couldn't read, to seeing his self-esteem grow, as he has progressed to reading whole sentences. My satisfaction is immeasurable.

We had a reader yesterday that moved from the Bob Books to read an entire 57 page of Elephant and Piggie. He was SO thrilled with himself … he asked to show his teacher. I could see her eyes welling with pride. She relayed that he started the school year with zero reading ability…[Later, apparently] he sat on the rocking chair and READ THE BOOK OUT LOUD TO HIS CLASSMATES! Wowee!! Zero to class story reader! I love that this teacher celebrated him in this way and am so proud of this little man. This is why we do what we do, right!!?!

I feel reading is very important for children… Teaching children to read is an integral part of their well-being. I believe every child should learn to read as it will boost their self-confidence and their self-esteem. It is a great opportunity to do this through VRP.

VRP provides volunteers with a unique and interactive experience that instills passion for literacy amongst a diverse range of students. Aiding the progression of my assigned students has been extremely rewarding and continuously demonstrates the importance of literacy. Early literacy enhances student confidence and success, which will benefit students during and beyond their academic journeys.

It was so gratifying to see the children make progress through the year so that they could find the joy of reading. It was especially wonderful to share their excitement when they told stories or wrote them out. I recommend volunteering in this capacity to anyone who loves books.