This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating two volunteers from our Platinum Partner, KPMG. Rocío Arrarte Rivière, Senior Manager, Demand Generation, and Kym Arthur, Executive Assistant, are two of the more than 100 KPMG volunteers who have collectively provided more than 800 hours of one-to-one reading support to Chapter One children since September. That’s over 3,200 stories shared between volunteers and children! We spoke to Rocío and Kym to find out more about their experience of volunteering with Chapter One.

What motivated you to get involved with Chapter One?

Rocío: I got involved with Chapter One because I’ve always loved reading and I get really excited about helping others find that same enjoyment. Also, when my son started learning to read a couple of years ago, it really hit home just how much difference it makes when a child has an adult cheering them on and practising with them regularly. That’s what made me want to give a bit of my time to support another child on their own journey. And honestly, the fact it’s just 30 minutes a week is huge, plus it’s easy to fit around work, but still feels like you’re making a real impact.

Kym: My motivation to become involved with Chapter One was deeply personal. This is now my third-year volunteering, and it has been incredibly rewarding. My daughter is 18 now, but I often reminisce about the days when she was little and how much we loved reading together. Those moments were precious, and I realised how much I missed them, so I decided to join Chapter One and bring the joy of reading to younger children. I also remember how my daughter benefited from one-on-one reading sessions at school, which really helped her grow in confidence. That experience inspired me to give back in the same way.

What does a typical volunteering session look like for you?

Rocío: I normally volunteer on Wednesdays. On the day, I’ll get a quick email from the teacher to confirm the child is in the classroom, then I just call in at the right time and we’re ready to go. It’s always such a lovely half hour, we usually start with a few flashcards to warm up, then read two or three books together. We also take little breaks to play a game in between (it really helps keep the energy up!) and ‘3 in a Row’ is the definite favourite.

Kym: A typical volunteering session is a wonderful mix of connection and learning. Once the children become familiar with me, their confidence grows and they look forward to our time together. We always start by catching up - one of my students loves swimming and playing football and enjoys telling me all about his adventures, including the story of losing a wobbly tooth in the grass while eating an apple at lunchtime! After our chat, we work through flash cards and practice sounds and tricky words. Then comes their favourite game, ‘3 in a Row’, which always brings excitement. I’m lucky to read with two children this year, so I get plenty of practice. We finish by reading stories together; sometimes we take turns reading pages, and other times they prefer to read the whole book themselves. It all depends on how they're feeling that day.

What difference do you feel this has made?

Rocío: It really does make a huge difference for the children, having that regular weekly time to practise reading builds confidence so quickly, and you can genuinely see their progress over time. For me personally, it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to give a child the focused attention they need and to support them with something that’s such a key part of their learning journey. Seeing them grow in confidence week by week is the best feeling.

Kym: The difference these sessions have made is clear. Personally, reading sessions are the highlight of my week. It’s my way of giving back to the community, and I genuinely look forward to each session. The children I read with show remarkable resilience and dedication. Every session, they bring their whole selves, ready to learn and listen, and I hope they enjoy our time together as much as I do.

What’s volunteering given back to you?

Rocío: Honestly, it’s given me a real sense of satisfaction, that feeling that you can genuinely make a difference for someone, even in a small amount of time. And, a bit selfishly, it’s also helped me build skills and confidence that I can use with my own children as they’re learning to read too. More than anything, it just brightens my day, I always come away from a session with a huge smile, feeling lighter and reminded of what really matters.

Kym: Volunteering has given me a great deal in return - understanding, purpose, wellbeing, and a real sense of self-satisfaction. It’s helped me gain perspective and reminded me of the importance of connection and support.

What would you say to a colleague thinking about volunteering?

Rocío: I’d absolutely recommend Chapter One. It’s genuinely easy to fit into your work week (it’s just 30 minutes), and you’re not left to figure it out on your own, the programme supports you really well and gives you practical tips and guidance so you feel confident helping the child. And it truly does make a difference. For example, 1 in 4 children in the UK don’t reach the expected reading level by age 11, so that extra bit of consistent support can be huge. Knowing you’re helping a child build confidence with reading in such a simple, manageable way is incredibly rewarding.

Kym: To anyone considering volunteering, I wholeheartedly recommend Chapter One. We all have busy schedules and often wonder if we can spare the time, but it’s such a rewarding 30 minutes. The children always manage to bring a smile to my face, even on the busiest days.

Describe Chapter One in three words.

Rocío: Rewarding, joyful, impactful.

Kym: Child-friendly, structured, confidence-building.