At BPP Students' Association, we believe in the power of giving back to the community. In collaboration with the Social Impact team, we’re excited to highlight an incredible opportunity for students and staff to make a real difference by volunteering with Literacy Pirates.
Their mission is to help children who are falling behind in class by developing their literacy, confidence, and perseverance. By volunteering online or in person, you can equip these children with the skills and encouragement they need to succeed—both in school and beyond. With flexible and rewarding roles available, this is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact.
Hybrid Volunteering (In-Person or Online) *This is not a paid position.
Role: Literacy Support Volunteer
- Purpose: Support children aged 9–13 in improving their literacy, confidence, and perseverance.
- Activities: Assist with reading and writing, provide encouragement, participate in games, and attend celebration events.
- Commitment: Minimum of 12 sessions per year with flexible scheduling.
- Requirements: Must be 16+, a UK resident, complete a DBS check, and (for virtual volunteering) have access to a laptop/desktop with a webcam and microphone.
- Benefits: Employment references, work placements, and Tempo Time Credits for rewards such as cinema tickets and yoga classes.
To show the real impact of this opportunity, here’s the story of Rashi Krishna, a PhD student in Genetics and Molecular Medicine, who volunteered with Literacy Pirates online last semester:
“When I started my PhD, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful outside academia. Education has always been important to me, and I wanted to give back to society. That’s how I found Literacy Pirates—a flexible, online volunteering opportunity where I could help young people with their reading and writing.
I wasn’t teaching but supporting the session leader and encouraging students, which made it manageable alongside my studies. The sign-up process was straightforward, and I even got to do a trial session before committing. Since it was online, I could volunteer weekly without the stress of travel.
One of my best moments was when a student gave me a shout-out at the end of a session—it was a small thing, but it meant a lot. At first, I wasn’t sure how to engage with children, but over time, I developed new skills and learned how to adapt.
Balancing volunteering with a PhD isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. If you’re thinking about volunteering—go for it! It’s flexible, rewarding, and a great way to step outside the academic bubble.”
Get Involved Today!
Are you ready to make a difference? Sign up today: https://literacypirates.org/volunteer/
For more information, contact Engage@bpp.com.