I am a Workshop Assistant for Tutti Frutti Club at Hovingham Primary School in Leeds, and I’ve been volunteering there since February 2026. Every week, I spend two hours with 20 to 25 energetic primary school children, co-leading creative workshops.
We do all sorts of fun things: messy painting, role-playing, sensory play, you name it. My job is to help set up activities, guide the children, and work alongside the lead artists to make sure every child feels included and has a great time.
Some days are chaotic in the best way possible, with paint everywhere and children laughing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Reasons to volunteer
I volunteer because working with children fills my heart in a way nothing else does. Coming from China to study in the UK, I sometimes miss the feeling of being part of a community.
Volunteering at Tutti Frutti gives me that. I walk in, and these little humans run up to me with huge smiles, shouting my name. It reminds me why I chose to study education.
I also wanted to understand how British primary schools work, and this role has given me a real, inside look. Yes, it helps my CV and career, but honestly? The best part is knowing that I helped a shy child feel brave enough to join in, or made a child laugh when they were feeling sad.
A sense of belonging
This volunteering has changed me in ways I didn’t expect. First, it’s been my happy place. Whenever I’m stressed about assignments, spending time with these children resets my mind.
I’ve also learned to be more patient and adaptable. You can’t plan everything with kids; sometimes the activity doesn’t work, and you have to think on your feet. That’s made me a better teacher and a more flexible person.
I’ve also made genuine friends with the other volunteers and artists. We laugh together, problem-solve together, and support each other. I feel less like a foreign student and more like part of the Leeds community now.
Small, quiet breakthroughs
My favourite part is watching children grow in confidence over time. I remember one little girl who was very quiet and hesitant during her first few sessions. She would watch from a distance but never join in.
Instead of pushing her, I simply greeted her warmly each week and showed her what we were creating. Gradually, she started moving closer, and one day she finally picked up a paintbrush and joined in. She didn’t say much, but the look of pride on her face when she finished her artwork was unforgettable.
It’s not about big achievements, but about those small, quiet breakthroughs that happen when a child feels safe and supported.
Moments like these remind me why I love working with children. Seeing them slowly come out of their shell and discover their own creativity is truly magical.
Advice for future volunteers
Do it. Just do it. I know it can feel scary. I was nervous too, especially as an international student worried about my English. But honestly?
The children don’t care about your accent or if you use the wrong word. They just care if you’re kind and if you’re willing to play with them.
Volunteering has given me confidence, friends, and a sense of belonging. It’s also flexible. The Tutti Frutti team understands I’m a student and works around my schedule.
So if you’re sitting on the fence, jump off and give it a try. You might find, like I did, that it becomes the best part of your week. And who knows? A child’s smile might just change your day, or your life.
More information about volunteering
- Read more student profiles about volunteering
- Find out more about volunteering opportunities as a student at Leeds
If you’re a not-for-profit organisation in Leeds that would benefit from student volunteers, email the Volunteering Team at volunteer@leeds.ac.uk.