My Courses

Reading Buddy Programme

In some disadvantaged areas, up to one in three children face serious literacy difficulties, which can affect their future opportunities. Reading Buddy supports children aged 8-12 across Ireland who struggle with literacy. We partner with primary schools, TY groups in secondary schools, and corporate and community volunteers to provide one-to-one reading support in English or Irish.

Reading Buddy Programme

In some disadvantaged areas, up to one in three children face serious literacy difficulties, which can affect their future opportunities. Reading Buddy supports children aged 8-12 across Ireland who struggle with literacy. We partner with primary schools, TY groups in secondary schools, and corporate and community volunteers to provide one-to-one reading support in English or Irish.

Programme duration 8 weeks

2 x 30 minute sessions per week

45-60 mins staff / volunteer training

All volunteers 18+ are garda vetted

Reading Buddy Sessions

Read aloud with a Reading Buddy; help them with tricky words and praise their efforts as you talk about the story, favourite parts, and predictions. Build a positive relationship that strengthens comprehension skills and confidence.

Online

Reading sessions take place over video call. Both the child and volunteer have a copy of the same book.

In Person

Volunteers visit the school and read with their Reading Buddy face-to-face.

Bilingual

Reading Buddy is available in English and Irish, because the future belongs to everyone.

Learners aged 8 -12

Primary Schools

The programme is fully funded, and available in Irish and English. We’ll work with you to coordinate timelines, provide all materials, and get you partnered up with a local secondary school, corporate or community volunteer group. All volunteers are fully trained, and those over 18 are Garda-vetted. Reading Buddy’s are celebrated for their progress with a gradation party and certificate. The programme builds meaningful community partnerships that enrich learning, strengthen support networks, and create lasting impact for young people.

Register your Schools Interest

Transition Year Voluteers

Secondary Schools

We are a proud challenge partner of Gaisce, falling under both the Personal Skill & Community Involvement categories. Volunteering gives TY students valuable opportunities for personal growth; developing transferable skills like leadership, problem-solving, and time management, while gaining real-life experience. The programme is fully funded, and available in Irish and English. We provide the training, resources and support needed to match you with a local primary school. Volunteers are celebrated with a certificate, and can be nominated for Reading Buddy Champion of the Year during Creative Technology Week.

Register your Schools Interest

Transition Year Voluteers

Secondary Schools

We are a proud challenge partner of Gaisce, falling under both the Personal Skill & Community Involvement categories. Volunteering gives TY students valuable opportunities for personal growth; developing transferable skills like leadership, problem-solving, and time management, while gaining real-life experience. The programme is fully funded, and available in Irish and English. We provide the training, resources and support needed to match you with a local primary school. Volunteers are celebrated with a certificate, and can be nominated for Reading Buddy Champion of the Year during Creative Technology Week.

Register your Schools Interest

Corporate & Community Volunteers

Reading Buddy Partnerships

As a volunteer, you’ll build meaningful connections, develop coaching and communication skills, boost your wellbeing, and see first-hand the difference you can make reading 60 minutes per week with a young child, while sparking a lifelong love of reading. For organisations, it’s a high-impact way to strengthen employee engagement, demonstrate social responsibility, and create purposeful team experiences. Be part of something powerful and rewarding.

Register for Volunteering

Volunteer Highlights

SMBC


SMBC have completed multiple Reading Buddy Terms supporting  students from Scoil Catriona Baggot Street. In December they welcomed students from 4th class for their graduation ceremony  where their Chairman Nori Hiruta did an interactive quiz followed by a pizza party in their canteen.

Mason Hayes & Curran


In 2025 Mason Hayes & Curran supported 17 children from St. Mary’s Templemore, Tipperary. They are currently supporting 6 children from Newtown National School Co. Galway

Yondr


Yondr took part in Autumn 2025 and were paired with Togher National School Cork. 

‘Thanks so much Kinia, we all got so much from the experience, the graduation was fantastic seeing the girls’ faces when our thank you videos came on screen was brilliant.’

Award-Winning Impact

In good company

Our volunteer partnerships are as unique as the organisations we work with. Together we open doors to creative learning, digital skills, and future‑focused opportunities for young people across Ireland.