Become a volunteer
Give the gift of literacy. Share the skills you already have.
You don’t need a teaching degree or formal qualifications to make a lasting difference for adults in rural New Zealand. From coaching readers to tech support, administration, and answering phones, every role helps change a life.
How you can help
RYALT runs on the generosity, passion, and diverse skills of everyday New Zealanders. Whether you have two hours a week or ten, we have a place for you on our team.
Literacy Coaches
Work one-on-one with adult learners to build reading and writing confidence. Full training and ongoing support are provided.Ideal for: Patient listeners, keen readers, encouraging conversationalists.
IT & Technical Support
Help manage digital tools, assist learners or tutors with basic computer setups, and keep our systems connected across rural NZ.Ideal for: Tech-savvy problem solvers, web maintainers, digital helpers.
Phone & Helpline Support
Be the friendly, welcoming voice on the end of the line for adults taking their first courageous step toward learning.Ideal for: Great listeners, empathetic communicators, confident phone users.
Administration & Office Coordination
Keep our vital operations running smoothly behind the scenes—from managing learner files to organizing resources.Ideal for: Detail-oriented people, spreadsheet enthusiasts, organized multi-taskers.
Community Outreach & Regional Champions
Help spread the word in your local rural community, build local partnerships, or assist with regional events and governance.Ideal for: Community connectors, advocates, local networkers.
Hear from our Founder
“When someone learns to read as an adult, their whole world opens up—they can read a medicine bottle, a bedtime story to their grandchild, or apply for a job with confidence. But we can’t do this work alone. Volunteers are the heart and soul of everything we do here.”— Jo, Founder & Director
How to become a volunteer
Step 1: Get in touch
Fill out the simple form below, call us on 0800 891 339, or drop us an email to admin@adultliteracy.ac.nz
Step 2: A friendly chat
We’ll talk through your skills, availability, and interests to find the right fit.
Step 3: Training
For coaching roles, we provide complete, easy-to-follow training. No prior experience needed!
Step 4: Make an impact
Join our warm network of volunteers supporting rural Kiwi communities.