New partnership with Ogier to enhance literacy in Jersey primary schools

Every Child Our Future (Every Child) is delighted to announce its partnership with Ogier to sponsor its well-established and successful Ready to Read volunteer reading programme. The funding will enable Every Child to continue to recruit and train volunteers, providing one-to-one reading practice for children across the island’s primary schools, helping to build their skills and confidence.

Through the programme, community and corporate volunteers engage with children each week in supported reading practice sessions, sharing books and fostering a love for reading with pupils in years 1 and 2. The initiative also ensures that books are donated to schools and children, broadening access to reading materials and encouraging lifelong reading habits.

Cris Lakeman, CEO of Every Child Our Future, emphasised the importance of this initiative:
“When children develop reading skills and a love of reading, the benefits extend beyond the classroom. Reading boosts academic success, empathy and wellbeing, therefore helping communities to thrive. Ensuring that every child has the opportunity to read is a shared responsibility. Through this partnership with Ogier, we can continue to support Jersey children to experience the joy of reading, opening up a world of possibilities for them.”

Ogier has been providing volunteers for the programme for nine years as part of their contribution to communities through volunteering.

Raulin Amy, Practice partner at Ogier and a past volunteer for Ready to Read at Rouge Bouillon school, said, “At Ogier, we’re extremely proud of our on-going support for the Every Child our
Future ‘Ready to Read’ programme. We have a dedicated team of 18 volunteers who collectively support pupils across six classes at Rouge Bouillon School. Over the last nine years, our colleagues have seen first-hand the positive impact one-on-one reading sessions have for the school’s pupils.

“We recognise the importance of this vital scheme and its long-term benefits, both within and outside the classroom. Our sponsorship is a natural progression of our existing partnership with the charity. We’re excited to help Every Child Our Future continue to deliver this invaluable programme.”

If you are interested in supporting ECOF and their programmes, please email info@everychild.org.je for details on how you can help.