Reading Oasis

Keen to be a reader? Fill in the registration of interest form below to get notified when applications for the next round open!

What is Reading Oasis?

We take a bus of student volunteers from the University of Otago to visit a local school to spread the love of reading with pupils from Years 1-3. The programme runs throughout semester with a stream on Tuesdays and another on Thursdays from 11:15am to 12:45pm with transport from campus provided. If you’re a keen bean to join us, click the button above! Recruitment of readers happens at the start of each semester so stay tuned to our Instagram for that.

Reading Oasis is a programme that aims to foster imagination and a passion for reading for all kids. Teaming up with Catalytic Foundation, one of the world’s largest not-for-profit organisations, Reading Oasis in Dunedin is the only programme of its kind in the South Island.

Give every child the opportunity to love reading. Grab a book and sit down to read with little ones at a local school in Dunedin.

Requirements

  • You love reading

  • Ability to maintain personal boundaries and act in a responsible manner

  • Belief in the potential of young people

  • Willing listener

  • Able to ask for help when needed

  • Tolerance and openness to different world views

  • Sense of humour and fun

  • A background check via the Proctor’s office is required for this role

Time commitment

This programme has two streams that run on two different days of the week: 11.30 am -12.30 pm Tuesday or Thursday (15 mins either side for travel, so you must be available from 11.15am to 12.45pm). The time commitment is about 8-10 hours total over a semester. We do require that you only sign up if you can make this eight week commitment. That is you are free for almost if not all the Tuesdays or almost if not all the Thursdays that Reading Oasis runs for, as the kids will be expecting you!

Semester Two Reading Oasis Dates:

TUESDAYS
Training - 23 July
Session 1 - 30 July 
Session 2 - 6 August
Session 3 - 13 August 
Session 4 - 20 August 
Session 5 - 27 August (TBC closer to the date)
Session 6 - 10 September
Session 7 - 17 September 
Session 8 - 24 September
Session 9 - 1 October

THURSDAYS
Training - 25 July
Session 1 - 1 August
Session 2 - 8 August
Session 3 - 15 August
Session 4 - 22 August
Session 5 - 29 August (TBC closer to the date)
Session 6 - 12 September
Session 7 - 19 September
Session 8 - 26 September
Session 9 - 3 October

If you have any further questions feel free to flick an email to volunteer@otago.ac.nz.