ChIRP Volunteer- Mission/ Agassiz

“Reading aloud is the single most important thing a parent or caregiver can do to help a child prepare
for reading and learning.”

“More than half the children in this country will not hear a bedtime story tonight.”
The ChIRP program (Children of Inmates Reading Program) builds and enhances healthier parent-child relationships, develops literacy and listening skills, and promotes a love of learning in children through the consistent presence of a parent and books.
Each month, two enthusiastic volunteers enter the institution monthly at a set time, set a date, and operate throughout the entire year. A selection of quality children’s books is provided that can be read in a short period of time and are suitable for children ranging in age from birth to 12 years of age. Each participant who has been cleared for the program chooses a book and reads it to their child while being recorded on a digital voice recorder. The recording is then transferred to a USB drive, and mailed to the child along with the book by the volunteer. 

Qualifications:
● Residing in the Edmonton Area 
● Minimum of a 2 year commitment 
● Successful completion of a criminal records check and Valid Driver's License 
● A genuine interest in working with the incarcerated
● Some knowledge of children’s literature an asset
● Basic computer skills

Ideal Facilitators:
Our ideal facilitators are individuals who embrace commitment, dedicating at least two years to this noble cause. While prior experience in education, counselling, rehabilitation, or related fields is valued, it is not a strict requirement.