Anyone can make a difference. No matter how big or how small, any person can contribute to change. I knew that I wanted to do something to improve literacy outcomes and somehow make a small contribution to spreading the joys of reading. I have found amazing volunteer opportunities that gave me the chance to make a difference.

One-On-One Tutoring

One of the activities I signed up to do was one-on-one tutoring. The program was designed for volunteers to follow the steps of teaching a student how to read. Some students came into the program without knowing how to read at all, and some were there to practice and make progress. A tutor was assigned to one student for about three months, and every week, the pair would meet and go through the lessons.

What I Learned  

As the weeks progressed my student began to trust me more, and in turn, became even more willing to practice reading. The change was almost instant. Through fun learning and constant practice, the student advanced very quickly in their reading skills. Not only did they progress in reading, but they also began to enjoy reading. I could see the impact that we were making as volunteers.

Impact the World

Volunteering is one of the many ways to help address illiteracy, and many programs are available to provide the tools for change. Through volunteering, I learned that my actions, no matter how big or how small, still created change. The World Literacy Foundation is a platform that focuses on ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to strive and succeed through literacy. They have several projects throughout the globe that anyone can become a part of. Together, we can all fight for the end of illiteracy. Your actions and contributions matter.

Written by: Alexandra Akinchina