Volunteer Appreciation Month: Aysha’s reflections

As part of City Year UK’s Volunteer Appreciation Month, our West Midlands-based mentor Aysha writes about all the elements of being a City Year Mentor that she values. Aysha examines the important role mentors have in tackling UK educational inequality, whilst reflecting upon her personal growth and the impact she’s made so far at City Year UK.

Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, giving their time, energy and passion to make a real difference in the lives of others. This February it’s Volunteer Appreciation Month at City Year UK — a month where City Year UK recognises the hard work of its mentors who give up a year to volunteer and contribute to underprivileged schools, bridging the gap in educational inequality.

Despite decades of policies in the UK, there’s been little to no change in the GCSE attainment gap over the past 20 years. Since the pandemic, all phases of schooling have had bigger attainment gaps between pupils furthest from opportunity and the rest. A study conducted found that in 2022/23 less than half of pupils furthest from opportunity are meeting expectations in reading, writing and maths at the end of primary school. Only 29% of children eligible for FSM (free school meals) move onto university as opposed to over 50% of their more affluent peers. City Year UK is working in schools across England to bridge these gaps. Thanks to the mentors who inject themselves into the school and act as a pillar of support for teachers and students alike we’re taking the steps to uplift them, allowing them to fulfil their potential.

When looking at options for my placement year, City Year continuously cropped up. It felt unattainable to continue the work previous mentors had carried out in schools and to take on the responsibility of wearing a red jacket. I didn’t think I could do it, but I did.

One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was to get over that fear and dive headfirst into City Year UK. It’s a programme designed to help children in schools whilst training young people to become mentors. The support around the programme makes it feel like a community; there are other mentors in the same position as your own who can be a point of support; there are programme leaders who completed City Year UK themselves years ago who offer guidance and perspectives and there’s a purpose. Putting on the red jacket feels like a responsibility. You become a representation of City Year UK and all its values. There’s an excitement in being a part of something bigger, where you not only help students academically but become a supporting presence they can rely on.

Going into a school seems daunting: a new environment with new faces and all the expectations of what you need to do. It feels like the first day of school all over again (which it technically is, just not as students anymore!). You have no idea how everyone will react to a bright red jacket coming into their classroom, but the students welcome you with open arms. Working in a primary school has made me appreciate the playfulness and openness of the children; after a week, the children were already running up to me in the morning with news about their day or asking me to play tag at break time. It’s a fun, warm environment that keeps me motivated and reminds me that what I’m doing is making an impact.

Not only do the children warm up to you but so do the staff. A school is a valuable environment for learning, where you can also speak to many different people, all in varying roles. Every teacher has their own story to tell and just asking that question makes them feel appreciated and listened to. There is so much value in hearing others’ paths as it can act as inspiration to your own. Use it to your advantage.

Getting to see and speak to all the mentors experiencing different things gives you an insight into what different schools are like. It’s an environment of constant learning where you can understand and explain your approach whilst listening to what others do. Being a volunteer with a community of other volunteers builds an environment of understanding and support. Every day is different and brings new situations. Not everything can be solved with a magic wand (as much as I would love to). It can get emotional as you experience a rollercoaster of feelings. The connection you build with the students is meaningful but so is the connection you make with other mentors. They understand the journey just as much as you do—they’re going through their own.

Despite your service with City Year UK only being a year, the things you teach these children in that short time will stick with them. The laughs, the fun moments, the maybe not-so-fun moments. They’re all experiences that the children will learn from, as well as yourself. The City Year experience has already changed my outlook on education, and I can’t wait to see what else the year has in store for me.

One of the best things from my City Year experience must be my team. They’re a group of kind and wonderful people, who understand and relate to you as a fellow volunteer. We share our feelings and concerns but also laughs and meals. They make days all that bit more exciting.

City Year volunteering isn’t just something you do, it’s something you feel, live and carry with you long after your year of service is over. It’s a demanding role but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Thank you to everyone who makes City Year UK happen.