Introducing children to the magic of reading – and honing valuable literacy skills at the same time.
OttawaReads recruits volunteer readers from the corporate and public sectors to read aloud to children in kindergarten through grade 3 in a one-to-one setting. This helps children to develop essential literacy skills, build closer connections to their community, and appreciate that reading is fun.
For more information, contact Adriana Johnston at ajohnston@onfe-rope.ca.
About the Program
Need
Students in Ottawa classrooms have learning challenges, and may be at risk of falling behind their peers in school. Additionally, many refugees, new Canadians, and Canadians for whom English is an additional language, start school without pre-literacy skill, and/or need additional English language learning support.
Response
Throughout the school year, OttawaReads volunteers work with English language learners with early-literacy skills.
Impact
ONFE’s ability to respond to the immediate and ongoing, complex needs of educators and students is an important piece in removing barriers that inhibit learning. The OttawaReads program ensures that all youth have the chance to finish school with the tools, knowledge and skills they need to complete their studies and go on to fulfilling careers.
Volunteer with OttawaReads
OttawaReads recruits volunteer readers from the corporate and public sectors to read aloud to children in kindergarten through grade 3. (Individuals that wish to volunteer to read aloud are welcome to apply through the Volunteers in Education program). After attending an orientation and training session at their place of work, volunteers fulfill a weekly or bi-weekly one-hour commitment to read one-to-one with students in local schools. Each participating organization partners with a school in their own geographic location. The number of volunteers requested from each organization is based upon the size of the company and the requirements of the partnering school.
Let us know if you or your company/organization would like to have a corporate presentation on OttawaReads by contacting Adriana Johnston at ajohnston@onfe-rope.ca
“A lot of children in our public schools are from immigrant families; and I was one of them. Growing up, my parent couldn’t read to me in English. So I know how crucial it is to have reading programs like OttawaReads in schools. Reading is an invaluable skill – and the simplicity of spending an hour reading aloud to students is wonderful. I’m so pleased to be able to share the joy of reading with them.”
— Doris Ramphos, District Realty
You Can Help Students Succeed
Support us in recruiting, screening, and training volunteers to provide much-needed one-to-one support for students with learning challenges. Your contribution helps us to support volunteers, teachers, and students alike.
Volunteer with OttawaReads
If you have a team of readers who would like to volunteer, please email Adriana Johnston at ajohnston@onfe-rope.ca for information and to arrange specialized training.
Please note that all volunteer positions require careful screening and a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
