HELPLiteracy
For many of our children, reading for pleasure is something completely new.
The REC, Cerrito de la Virgen·Since 2013
The need
Stories most children never got to hear
WhereThe REC, Cerrito de la Virgen
Many parents in the communities where we run LitClubs didn't finish school themselves. Some children have already had to leave school to help at home, cooking, cleaning or looking after younger brothers and sisters.
For them, a book isn't something you read for fun. Literacy opens up history, knowledge, creativity and democracy, so we set out to make reading something children choose for themselves.
Our approach
What we do
LitClubs
Weekly after-school clubs for 10 to 15-year-olds, focused on reading, comprehension and creative writing.
Spanish literacy
A weekly class at the REC teaching younger children to read and write in Spanish, alongside their English lessons.
Books and a quiet space
Children who can already read get a range of books and a calm place to practise and improve.
Local role models
LitClubs are led by members of the Huanchaco community, in single-sex groups where children can build confidence safely.
The LitClub curriculum
Seven strengths
1 of 7: Belonging
Belonging
Every member has a place in the circle. LitClub is a group where children know they are welcome and their stories matter.
In pictures
HELP Literacy in action
LitClub discussion time 
Reading and writing, side by side 
HELP Literacy at a glance
- Our first LitClub opens, funded by a LitWorld grant
- 2013
- Age of children in our weekly LitClubs
- 10–15
- Strengths at the heart of every LitClub session
- 7
Volunteer on this project
Join the HELP Literacy team
Spanish speakers can lead weekly literacy classes as HELP Literacy Coordinator, or support reading sessions as a multi-project volunteer.
- HELP Literacy Coordinator
- Multi-Project Volunteer
Fund this project
£7a month
School supplies
Funds folders, workbooks, pens and arts and crafts materials for one child.
Folders, workbooks, pens and craft materials turn a table into a reading and writing club.
Keep exploring
Explore our other projects
HELP projectHELP English
Play-based English classes for children in Cerrito de la Virgen, plus daily lessons in local schools that can't provide English teachers.
HELP projectHELP Environment
Environmental education, the monthly Yo Cuido Mi Playa beach clean, and community and hydroponic gardens at our Rec Centre.
HELP projectHELP Youth
From a skate ramp to a full youth programme: skateboarding, football, arts and crafts and healthy lifestyles in a safe, supervised space.
HELP projectHELP Swim
Swimming and water-safety lessons that save lives, paired with water stewardship classes. Supported by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
Partner projectGlobal Glow
GLOW Clubs run by local mentors give almost 150 girls across four communities a safe space to build agency, voice and power.
Partner projectColegio Pitágoras
Our volunteers support the English programme at one of Huanchaco's biggest primary and secondary schools.
Being restructuredHELP Women
A safe space for women in Huanchaco to learn and develop new skills. We're currently redesigning the project around what women in the community need today.