Jehan’s story
Jehan is an education student and volunteered for two years with Literacy Pirates, contributing more than 200 hours to supporting young readers and writers.
Each week Jehan would read with two or three Young Pirates, enjoy the Session Leader activities when in the big group, and then support Young Pirates with their creative writing. Over two years, she became a familiar, encouraging presence in the space, someone the children could trust, talk to, and be their creative self.
They explain that the training they received before working with the Young Pirates helped them feel prepared from the very beginning. As a student, they valued that Literacy Pirates emphasises not just practical reading and writing support, but emotional guidance, “You don’t really get training on how to manage emotion at university. [At Literacy Pirates] we look into how to take care of the Young Pirates feelings. That was something I really enjoyed.”
“Volunteering at Literacy Pirates has changed me in many ways and made me a better person.”
Jehan, Literacy Pirates Volunteer
Reading with Young Pirates was a highlight: “As a big reader, I always try to find ways to encourage the Young Pirates I’m working with to pick a book to read as much as I can.”
The most meaningful moments have been those in which a child discovers their voice. They recall a 9 year old girl learning the meaning of “concrete jungle” and proudly sharing her understanding with the whole class: “You could really see the spark in her eye… her confidence and ability to just go for it was incredible.”
Volunteering has also shaped their future path. Studying Psychology with Education, Jehan’s time at Literacy Pirates deepened her interest in inequality, opportunity, and children’s wellbeing; ultimately inspiring her to pursue a career in Public Policy to help ensure “every child has the education they need and deserve.”
When asked if she’d recommend volunteering, her answer is immediate: “For sure I would… That two and half hours genuinely made my day. Volunteering at Literacy Pirates has changed me in many ways and made me a better person.”
Find out more about volunteering and role descriptions at Literacy Pirates
Volunteers
Help someone discover the joy of reading
A little of your time can open up whole new worlds for someone else. Find out how you can support learners and be part of the National Year of Reading across 2026.
