“What we learn with pleasure we never forget”- Alfred Mercier.

I love learning, and this is no doubt a result of the environment in which I was brought up; my mom would spend evenings reading, writing and drawing with me. This was a huge privilege though and sadly just isn’t feasible for most parents or caregivers, especially in today’s environment. According to research carried out by Royal London, 5.2 million UK workers have taken on an additional job to help pay for the increased cost of living. 

And how about learning in the classroom? A study of government figures by the Labour Party showed that over 900,000 pupils are now in classrooms of more than 30 – an increase of 150,000 since 2010. For children with additional learning needs, such as autism, dyslexia or ADHD, one-to-one engagement can help them to find an alternative method of learning which works for them and which is enjoyable. But with a class of 30, teachers are not physically able to dedicate the time to tailor education to each child’s needs.

The UK’s current cost of living crisis means that many children are not able to receive the one-to-one educational support they require, inside or outside the classroom. 

The Volunteer Tutors Organisation (VTO) is a charity in Scotland that recruit, train, place, resource and support volunteer tutors, to give one to-one educational help and guidance to children and young people who need it most. Many of these children are Care Experienced (53%) or involved in Kinship Care (21%), as well as having barriers to learning such as autism, dyslexia and ADHD. The charity provides a variety of services including one-to-one tutoring, Learning Hubs for primary pupils and QuESTS, Qualifications for Every Student Through Tutor Support. One parent summed VTO’s work up perfectly, saying “Logan was on track to leave school with no qualifications, now that won’t happen. He has a gift for maths, and he knows that now. I believe he’s been inspired to pursue a real career, believing he is capable. He has a vision for his future, and more of the tools he needs to build it.”

Now more than ever, I’m noticing the importance of community and finding that we need to support each other where we can – there will always be times when we need help and times when we can give help. As I’m at a time in my life where I can give help, I’ve been volunteering as a tutor with VTO at one of their Learning Hubs in Edinburgh, which is such a happy environment. It gives children the opportunity to enjoy learning, and the one-to-one interaction with an adult allows them to ask questions and build their confidence.

I’ll also be doing the Mighty Stride Glasgow Kiltwalk, which is a 22.7 mile (36.5 km) walk from Glasgow to Loch Lomond on April 30th. I’m hoping that by doing it and by writing this that I can help raise awareness of the importance of VTO’s work, as well as raise funds to support their work. If you’re at a time in your life where you’re able to give help, then any support, either by volunteering, by donating or by spreading awareness will make a difference. Thank you.