Profile of Tom Harrison, Project Co-ordinator of CSV Learning Together with SHINE

"I have worked at CSV for six months as Project Co-ordinator for the CSV Learning Together with SHINE programme. Previously I worked for four years with the gap year charity, Project Trust, based in the Hebrides.

From a Hebridean island (population of humans: 100, sheep: 10,000) to London (population of humans: 10m, sheep: not many) was quite a shock to the system, but having previously volunteered in Jordan, West Bank, Gaza, Sudan and Sri Lanka, I obviously quite like these culture shocks. 

The CSV Learning Together with SHINE programme matches over 100 volunteer personal tutors to 120 primary school children. It works in seven schools across four inner city London boroughs. My main priorities include recruiting, selecting and training university students to act as personal tutors. Liaising with LEAs, EAZs and primary schools to set up suitable voluntary placements for these student tutors and managing the programme overall to ensure all project partners are happy.

The best thing about the job is that I am not tied to my desk. Granted, Hackney and Haringey don’t have the same balmy temperatures as Jordan or Sri Lanka but, believe it or not, getting around London has actually been one of the attractions. It is great to explore 'my own community’, and this job certainly allows me to see some of the best and worst of this city.

I have met some inspirational head teachers, teachers and pupils, and some amazing volunteers. Ultimately the greatest satisfaction has to be gained from visiting the schools, and seeing the partnership between pupil and university tutors develop."