In an inspiring display of community spirit, local professionals are stepping up to support schools across the region through various forms of volunteering and donations. From donating unwanted items to serving as reading buddies and coaches, these individuals are showing that small efforts can lead to significant impacts on students’ educational experiences.
Professional organizer Siân Pelleschi is trying to create movement. She donates her clients’ unwanted items, including books and clothing, to local schools. Her initiative has not only provided students with the resources they need but has contributed to a more sustainable future. Her work shows that personal and professional skills can be used to amplify and improve the educational community.
Eloise Skinner, psychotherapist and author, active volunteer with Mayor of London’s enterprise adviser network. She now spends all her time helping schools create strong systems of career support. Skinner’s position provides unique possibilities that range from high-level strategic planning to directly activating with students through workshops and speaking engagements.
Sabina Green is a proud volunteer at Deeping St James Community Primary School. She seems to have whole-heartedly accepted her new role as “reading buddy”. In each of these ways—from testifying to tutoring—her commitment to the cause gives students the one-on-one support they need to expand their reading fluency. “Having them read small sections and discuss helped them recall information and build a mental picture, boosting their confidence,” said Green, reflecting on the positive outcomes of her volunteer work.
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteer initiatives like those of Pelleschi, Skinner, and Green highlight the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on students’ lives. Research shows that effective, high-quality one-to-one support is crucial to help pupils learn better and achieve greater long-term success. Programs that engage volunteers foster academically and socially enriching environments in which children succeed.
Jo Zwierzchaczewski-Mitchelhill, certified parent coach and mothering arts practitioner. At her daughter’s primary school in Kent, she continues to flourish in the role as a youth netball coach. Her efforts on behalf of youth sports show that she understands the critical role that physical activity plays in our children’s development. “I loved seeing the kids be active in sport and gain confidence in their ability as netball players,” she shared. Zwierzchaczewski-Mitchelhill’s experience is a testament to how sports can create friendship and team-building among students.
And along the way, Andy Coley was an aggressive advocate for student achievement. He just gifted 20 copies of his new book, Leadership is a Skill to the senior team of his local school federation. His gift helps us give the best possible support to educators. Most importantly, it makes the case that fierce advocacy and leadership in the academic space is critically needed.
Funding Opportunities and Support Networks
All schools that require additional resources are eligible to apply for funding through the National Lottery’s Awards for All England program. This year, the Neighborhood Planning program provides grants up to £20,000. This funding is a tremendous opportunity for districts to invest in innovative initiatives that expand high-quality educational opportunities for students.
Groups such as Governors for Schools play an absolutely critical role as intermediaries between schools and prospective volunteers. These nonprofit organizations connect educational institutions with highly qualified individuals. This powerful pairing works to build exciting and impactful partnerships between the public and private sectors that drive great solutions for everyone.
Charitable platforms such as Easyfundraising.org have joined forces with over 7,000 brands to allow schools to fundraise through their daily shopping. This initiative allows communities to support their local schools simply by shopping online, demonstrating how collective efforts can yield significant financial support for educational needs.
The Ripple Effect of Community Involvement
The value add from these local professionals goes far beyond the direct benefit to those individual students. They create a ripple effect, engendering a culture of collaboration and support throughout their community. As these volunteers dedicate their time and resources, they inspire others to take action and contribute in their own ways.
Rob Rinder emphasizes the importance of representation in education, stating, “Too often, bright young minds are held back simply because they’ve never met a lawyer who looks or sounds like them. By stepping into the classroom, I’m showing them that the legal world isn’t just for the privileged few – it’s for anyone with the grit and the brains.” Rinder’s point of view underscores the powerful ways that diverse role models can inspire students to dream boldly and pursue their aspirations.