“Besides sleeping in, I also like to do something useful”

Stock photoCarla de Monchy (68) is a reading coach at De Saffier primary school in the Jordaan. Every Monday morning, she reads together with children from groups 4 and 5. Personal attention and fun are central.
It is Monday morning at 8:45. In a cozy corner, with a soft, red couch, and many colorful books, Carla is sitting with a student from group 4. She could use some extra help with reading and has brought her book ‘Moor Doesn’t Sleep’, which they are also reading with the class. First, Carla reads a paragraph out loud, then they read the same paragraph together so Carla can guide the child with the pace and intonation. And then the child reads the paragraph aloud. A method that works, Carla believes, children make huge progress. “Last year, there was a boy who, after reading with him several times, suddenly turned out to have gone up three reading levels after his test. He came to tell me so proudly. Wow, I thought, this is why I do it!”Yellowed advertisement“Ten years ago, I came across an advertisement in a local newspaper looking for reading guides. ‘This is what I want to do when I retire!’ I immediately thought. At that time, I was still working as an economics teacher at a high school. A busy job. I was busy seven days a week, and besides that, I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my children and grandchildren. So, volunteering was put on hold. But back then, I cut out the advertisement and carefully kept it in my letter rack all these years. Three years ago, I retired, and after taking a year to rest and tidy up, I picked up the now yellowed advertisement again! And through the Guild Amsterdam, I chose this school, within walking distance of my house.”

I am very happy that I can give children some extra attention in this way.

Plus, when I stopped working, I was very afraid that I would miss school. It turned out not to be the case; I am actually happy that the constant pressure is gone. But now that I am back at a school on a weekly basis, I do notice again how nice it is to have my own little place, to build a bond with the children, and to feel the appreciation. That is very satisfying.”Social contact“When I started here, in September 2013, another reading coach started at the same time as me, also a retired woman. We had a good connection from the beginning, and after our reading sessions, we often go for a drink and catch up. This social contact was not my main motivation, but it is a nice bonus. And I can imagine that volunteering can really add value for people who are new in the city or have few social contacts themselves. I see myself continuing with this for a while. I also want to, as a volunteer, make a difference for lonely elderly people. Still plenty of ambitions!”Interested in volunteering in the Welfare sector with children or young people?View these job vacancies.