Become a Reading Hero for a Ludwigshafen elementary school student

Learning, laughing, and growing together; giving a child your undivided attention; guiding them; and helping them build self-esteem—the nonprofit organization KinderHelden is looking for volunteer “reading heroes” to support elementary school children in Ludwigshafen who are facing difficult circumstances. 

As a mentor, you’ll spend about two hours a week with a child, exploring the city together, playing, reading, or helping with homework. The goal is to open up more educational opportunities for children, build their self-confidence, and guide them on their path toward a self-determined future.

Partner schools: Goetheschule Nord, Rupprechtschule, Brüder-Grimm-Schule

(Image credit: KinderHelden_iStock_507997086_SDI Productions)

As a mentor with KinderHelden in Ludwigshafen, you’ll support your mentee academically by helping them improve their language skills, reading, and math, as well as their study and work habits. In addition, you’ll spend leisure time together in ways that open up new perspectives for the child.

Your first meetings will take place at school. Once you’ve established a relationship of trust, you can also meet outside of school in public spaces—for example, at libraries or youth centers.

The one-on-one meetings are supplemented by group activities that we organize for our mentor-mentee pairs.

Through the KinderHelden Campus, you’ll have access to workshops and webinars to further your education and thus support your mentee in the best and most targeted way possible.

You don't need any previous teaching experience, as we will prepare you for your new role in a preparatory workshop. We will also provide you with individually tailored learning materials and tips for child-friendly activities. Throughout the year, you will receive pedagogical support and training from full-time employees who will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Ideally, you should have time to meet with a child about once a week for around two hours in the afternoon during the school year to support and strengthen them individually.

Before you start your assignment, we’ll get to know you during a one-on-one video call (approx. 45 minutes). This will be followed by an introductory workshop (a self-paced program) and a webinar. We’ll also need an extended criminal background check from you; we’ll cover the cost. We’ll walk you through the registration process in detail.