In the first semester of 2013, the College’s Volunteer Reading Tutor Programme (VRTP) again took place successfully. A total of 100 students volunteered to work with low-progress readers in forty schools across the nursery, primary, post-primary, special, hospital school and Irish-medium sectors. For the first time this year, the service also has been taken up by one controlled school. Hopefully, this trend will continue to grow and flourish.

Students in years two through four of the BEd degree freely gave as many as two hours per week of their time for a maximum of nine weeks to assist those children and young adults who struggle with the demands of reading. In fact, a number of students have, at the request of their host schools, continued their partnership until the end of the academic year.

Year on year, the programme has extended beyond Greater Belfast, which was the initial catchment area. Students have been serving in their own local parishes in locations as diverse as Carnlough, Lurgan, Portaferry, Carrickfergus and Newry, to name but a few. Some have chosen to serve in schools that kindly have agreed to allow them also to conduct their college-based dissertation work there. In addition to this, school principals and teachers are contacting the college asking to be included on the programme.

Schools and students alike fully endorsed the programme, and this endorsement is evidenced by very positive feedback. It is heartening to hear that schools are pinpointing the students themselves as being the most valuable resources on this programme. Their use of initiative and their willingness to work with school staff have been flagged up as particular strengths.

In recognition of this work, all of the students have been awarded certificates of achievement. Final-year students will have the opportunity to write a short, reflective piece on this experience, thus gaining credit toward their Entrepreneurial Learning Certificate, which is a cross-discipline in the college.