The Benefits of Volunteering

Last week, as I tore around Beth's school in a mad rush on Tue, Wed and Thu doing volunteer work, I thought: I really enjoy this.

When I read with the kids, I get to know them, see a different side of them, and earn the opportunity to help them with their quest for literacy.

When I do yard duty, I am a law enforcer-cum-peacemaker. Kids come to me for help to mediate disputes over sharing of space and facilities, to have a chat about random subjects, and to interpret fairness in games. 

Playground politics is a potential minefield and I have to be extra sensitive and vigilant to make sure every kid gets a good time and stays safe.

When I help out at swimming class, it gives me a chance to socialize with the kids, to smile at their youthful energy and antics, and to appreciate the vulnerability of those who aren't naturally sporty.

Next year, I plan to be even more active in serving at school. If my schedule permits, I want to read not just with Beth's class but also with a more senior class. I've been told that as the kids get to higher levels, the parent volunteer rate drops out because moms go back to work. I would love to work with some of the older kids and help them with their reading. 

There's a huge disparity between those who can read and those who struggle. What better way to help reverse the poor literacy rates in Victorian schools than to start with the children in my daughter's school.