Regular reading buddy for one child
Every week you work on reading enjoyment: reading, practising words, reading aloud or another language activity — at school or at the library.
Reading buddy for a child
Do you want to mean something to a child and are you crazy about reading, books and language? Become a reading buddy for a primary school pupil (6–12 years) and help with reading, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
About this project
- Meet up for about 2 hours a week at after-school care, primary school, the library or at home
- Together you boost reading enjoyment and reading skills
- No experience needed — we guide you from start to finish
You become the regular reading buddy of one child. Every week you get to work boosting reading enjoyment: reading, practising words, reading aloud or another language activity.
Most young people commit 8–12 hours a month. How you divide that up is up to you, in consultation with the parent or carer. After completing the programme you receive an MDT certificate.
Is this for you?
- You are between 17 and 30 years old
- You are sociable and want to do something good
- You live in or near Utrecht
Experiences
What other young people say
I loved seeing how my buddy became more and more confident at reading, and I learned to be more patient myself.
Eva 18, pupil With two hours a week I can help a child rebuild their self-confidence.
Tom 24, gap year I thought I was only going to help with reading, but it became so much more than that. We really laughed together.
Elena 26, social work student 1 in 2
children leave primary school without good reading skills. Without that foundation, the future is harder. You could be exactly the nudge that makes a child want to read again.
Becoming a volunteer: what does it involve?
Guidance from start to finish
You don’t need any experience. We help you get started with training, guidance and social meet-ups.
Flexible alongside school or work
Most young people commit 8–12 hours a month. How you divide that up is agreed with the parent or carer.
Civic service (MDT) certificate
After completing the programme you receive an MDT certificate from us — great for your CV.
How does it work?
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Sign up
Signing up is free — so is the programme itself. This lets us get in touch to find the right reading buddy for you.
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Get to know Careibu
We plan a short phone or video call. After that you follow a training with our partner Vinci Toponderwijs with all the tools you need.
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Get to know your buddy
You meet your buddy for the first time at after-school care, at school or at home. With our tips and guidance you’ll start with confidence.
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Support and company
After the introduction you provide 8–12 hours of support per month. On holiday? You can easily pause the programme.
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Training and coaching
Coaches work with you on your personal development. You can also join the Careibu academy for free.
People looking for help
People looking for help with this project
View a few people who fit this project. Open a profile and discover if you're a match.
Daan, 9
Utrecht
Companion for children
Loves reading aloud, but his parents also want him to practise reading comprehension.
- Reading together
- Games
- Hours per month
- Up to 4 hours
- Availability
- Daytime
Noah, 9
Amsterdam
Companion for children
Struggles with reading and is looking for someone to read along for an hour and make it fun.
- Reading together
- Hours per month
- Up to 4 hours
- Availability
- Daytime
Jayden, 12
Leiden
Companion for children
Behind in year 5 and would like extra practice with reading aloud and vocabulary.
- Reading together
- Hours per month
- 4-8 hours
- Availability
- Daytime
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
What does the volunteer work actually involve?
You become the regular reading buddy of one child. Every week you get to work boosting reading enjoyment — reading, practising words, reading aloud or another language activity at school or at the library.
How do I find someone who really suits me?
We start with a short introductory conversation. You also create an account where you can see requests from help-seekers in your area. After your choice you get a match confirmation as soon as possible.
What if I have no experience with children?
No experience is needed. We guide you, give tips and offer training. Our coordinators are ready to help.
How much time does volunteering take?
You usually meet up weekly, with flexibility in your schedule. For a civic service (MDT) project you complete 80 hours over 6 months.
What does MDT mean?
MDT stands for "Maatschappelijke Diensttijd", the Dutch national civic service programme. You learn new skills, gain experience and mean something to someone else — with guidance and a certificate at the end.
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