[Info] Volunteering with MYReaders
Read through to find out more about being a MYReaders' Volunteer Tutor.
Hello there!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering in MYReaders reading programmes.
In this post, we have compiled details that we believe will be helpful for you to understand what our Volunteer Tutors do at MYReaders, and how they do it.
There are five (5) parts to this post:
Why You Should Volunteer With Us
What’s in it for you?
What are the requirements?
What Modules Do We Use
How Classes Work
In-person
Online (WhatsApp)
Volunteer Journey with MYReaders
Common Volunteer FAQ
Let’s get to it!
[1] Why You Should Volunteer With Us
MYReaders’ programmes provide volunteers the opportunity to read with a child one-to-one (in-person and/or through WhatsApp), using our Literacy Toolkit.
a. What’s in it for you?
"I would recommend this to everyone who wants to teach! Do not worry about not having previous experiences. Having the motivation to teach in itself is a big preparation step."
- Shamina, Volunteer Tutor
b. What are the requirements to be a Volunteer?
The main requirements are for our volunteers to be Malaysian citizens aged 18 years old and above.
Other requirements are as follows:
[2] What Modules Do We Use
For all of our reading sessions, we equipped the students and the volunteers with The MYReaders Toolkit, which is specially designed to help students learn how to read.
It covers 3 Modules:
Basic Sounds (Phonics and Blending)
Fluency
Comprehension
[3] How Classes Work
At MYReaders, our Volunteer model reading sessions are conducted in two (2) ways;
in-person reading sessions and/or
online reading sessions via WhatsApp
The approach to whether a reading session is to be conducted in-person or online is decided based on the best approach suggested by the community, considering the student’s surroundings and support.
A weekly tutoring opportunity (1.5 hours per week) for about 3.5 months where tutors read with one child for the entire duration.
As a Volunteer Tutor, your tasks include conducting reading classes in person or online using MYReaders modules and filling in a simple weekly report.
All learning modules, materials, and Tutor Guides will be provided and shared via Google Drive.
a. In-person Reading Session
For the in-person reading session, one student is paired with one volunteer who reads with them every week, using our Literacy Toolkit.
b. Online Reading Session (WhatsApp)
For the online reading session conducted over WhatsApp, one student is paired with one volunteer who reads with them once every week in a WhatsApp group created by MYReaders, using our digitized Literacy Toolkit.
Most students in the programmes use their parents’ phones to attend classes.
We use WhatsApp for our classes as it's a widely used, user-friendly, low-tech platform that requires minimal internet usage, unlike other platforms.
If you’re not familiar with how our Online reading sessions work, you can watch one of our sample videos below:
[4] Overview Volunteer Journey with MYReaders
[5] Common FAQ
I’m a non-Malaysian, can I still apply to be a volunteer?
Being a Malaysian citizen is part of the requirement due to the cost related to it. As part of our child safety guidelines, all our volunteers are required to go through background screening. The cost to run the background screening for a non-Malaysian costs about 10 times more.
However, if you would like to fund this cost yourself, you can write to us at < team@myreaders.org.my >
How do MYReaders ensure the volunteer applicants are free from any criminal record?
You will be required to complete a series of self-declaration questions and provide your consent for MYReaders to conduct a background check.
We work with a reputable background screening organisation to run checks for national identity verification and criminal records or recruit volunteers from organisations that have screened their employees.
Do I need to know how to teach?
No, but you will be required to complete a Volunteer Tutors’ Training Module (online) where you will be equipped with how to use the provided MYReaders teaching modules. These modules are designed to make it easy for volunteers with no teaching background to teach a child.
Can I know more about the Volunteer Tutor Training?
Our volunteer training is a self-paced course online! In this course, we will share tips and techniques on how to use our Literacy Toolkit, coach reading effectively, and throw in some fun and incorporate values education in the process!
Is there a set day and time for the reading sessions?
Our volunteer training is a self-paced course online! In this course, we will sThe set day and time will be decided in discussion with our school/ community partners based on the students’ schedules. You can state your availability in the registration form and we will try our best to match you accordingly.
What is the frequency of the reading session?
Volunteers read with students each week for 1-1.5 hours (90 minutes) except on public and school holidays.
The programme last for 10 weeks (about 3.5 months) depending on the community that you are paired with. The exact reading calendar will be given to you once you are paired with a student in that community.
Do I have to attend the reading session every week?
Yes, you will have to commit to at least 10 weeks (about 3.5 months). You can reschedule your class with the coordinator for last minute emergencies.
Consistency is key for us as children improve faster when they read with the same mentor each week. With consistency, the mentor is also able to see improvements in their mentee along the way.
How will I be supported to carry out my duties as a Volunteer?
If selected, you will be provided with adequate training through a self-paced Volunteer Tutor Training Module and a hands-on tutorial session to enable you to practice in a safe environment. Details on this training will be provided once you are selected as a Volunteer Tutor.
Throughout the programme, you will be assigned to a Programme Coordinator who will provide you with the necessary support. We also offer upskilling training to all of our volunteers gain transferable skills to teach and work with any child on how to read.
Will my performance be monitored as a Volunteer?
Each Volunteer Tutor will be assigned to a Programme Coordinator who will monitor and track Volunteer Tutors’ and students’ progress on a weekly basis to offer feedback and support.
To ensure that we are accountable to our beneficiaries, a feedback/complaints mechanism will be established with the students and their parents, which may include feedback on their respective Volunteer Tutors.
Are there any other ways that I can help?
Definitely!
Donate to us to help us enable more children to read.
Collect refurbished gadgets to be donated to some of the children in our programmes
Buy our books for yourself/family/friends or to be donated to our partners
Share our posts on your social media to advocate for the cause of literacy!
If you have further inquiries or questions, feel free to drop us an email at team@myreaders.org.my