Every hour you give, every book you donate, every dollar you contribute helps a child in the Cayman Islands become a confident reader.
Join the LIFE Force
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our programmes. We call them the LIFE Force because that is exactly what they are: the energy that brings our work to life in classrooms and communities across the Cayman Islands.
Volunteering with LIFE is flexible. You can give as much or as little time as works for you.
| STAGE | AGE | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Paired Reading | 30 minutes weekly during term time | Read one-to-one with a student in school |
| Story Time | 30 minute weekly sessions | Share stories with small groups of preschool children |
| Book Sorting | One-off or occasional | Help collect, sort, and prepare donated books for distribution |
| Events | As available | Support LIFE at community events throughout the year |
Paired Reading Volunteers
Our flagship volunteer programme pairs trained adults with students who would benefit from additional reading support. You do not need teaching experience. You need only a willingness to show up consistently, listen, and read alongside a child.
What to expect:
Current Paired Reading locations:
“At ARK’s MER Programme, we are deeply grateful for the incredible support of LIFE and their Paired Reading Programme. Their volunteers come in twice a week, and the children are always so excited to see them. These sessions expose our students to new reading experiences, and we love to see the smiles on their faces as their confidence grows. The impact is real, and we appreciate LIFE for helping us nurture a love of reading in our young people.” – Dee Clark, Manager of the MER Programme at ARK Cayman
Dee Clark
MER Education Programme Manager and Inclusion Specialist
Requirements:
The Ministry of Education’s policy on volunteers (ED18) requires all school volunteers to complete:
| STAGE | Details |
|---|---|
| Police clearance certificate | Must be obtained before volunteering in schools |
| Child protection training | Required for all school-based volunteers |
LIFE will guide you through this process. Do not let the paperwork deter you. We will help you every step of the way.
How to Apply
It has been my joy to volunteer with LIFE over the past 11 years. Literacy is both a gift and an imperative for our children, launching them into their futures with the necessary skills to learn, communicate, and thrive as they grow. It also gives them the ability to empathise, exercise critical thought, expand their horizons and imaginations, and deepen their understanding of the past, present, and future. I am grateful for the opportunities I have received through LIFE to help foster literacy skills and a love for the written word in the children of our community.